Premiered in Cologne in 1957, “Bluthochzeit” became one of the most successful operas in the post-war era. However, as the opera became rare in theatre programmes in recent decades, the present DVD contains a much-noticed and acclaimed new production staged by Christian von Götz for the Wuppertal Opera in January 2013: “von Götz leads the committed prominent ensemble in a highly concentrated, detailed and accurate manner, brilliantly conveys the contrast between the oppressive sadness of the environment and the young people's desire for freedom. […] one of the best productions of the region and the season.” (Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung)

The premonition of a crime yet to be committed pervades the story from the very beginning: At the centre of the story are a bride and her groom whose wedding is threatened by the fateful enmity between two families. The bride's former lover Leonardo comes from the family responsible for the death of the groom's father and brother. During the wedding night, the bride runs away with Leonardo. Driven by grief, the groom pursuits them, thus fulfilling the tragedy anticipated from the start.

Cast:
- Dalia Schaechter (Mother)
- Banu Böke (Bride)
- Thomas Laske (Leonardo)
- Miriam Ritter (Leonardo’s Wife)
- Cornelia Berger (Leonardo’s Mother-in-Law)
- Gregor Henze (The Groom)
- Stephan Ullrich (Father of the Bride)

Stage Director and Designer: Christian von Götz
Dramaturgy: Ulrike Olbrich, Johannes Blum