Humperdinck‘s Hänsel und Gretel is steeped in the guileless world of folk-song: the children‘s songs and dances, the idyllic forest scenes, the supernatural material and the central thematic chorale are all rooted in German traditional music.

The conductor Franz Welser-Möst draws this impressive diversity of sound from the orchestra of the Zurich Opera House. Frank Corsaro’s production was designed by Maurice Sendak. They have worked together on numerous highly-acclaimed opera stagings, all noted for their striking visual impact.

Sendak is known worldwide for his classic children’s books. His vivid, magical and often disturbing imagery is perfect for the fairytale world of Hänsel und Gretel. He expands the Witch’s gingerbread cottage into an entire farmyard of sweetmeats, complete with windmill. The house has a life of its own, with menacing, glowing eyes, which also dominate the stage during the ‘Witch’s Ride’ interlude.

This production of Humperdinck’s endearing and musically adroit opera will entrance adults and children alike.

“This stylish and tasteful production by Frank Corsaro is full of witty ideas: new characters are invented and added affectionately to the familiar ones… and the children involved are allowed to be charmingly themselves.” - Tagblatt der Stadt Zürich

Cast:
- Peter, a broom-maker: Alfred Muff
- Gertrud, his wife: Gabriele Lechner
- Hänsel, his son: Liliana Nikiteanu
- Gretel, his daughter: Malin Hartelius
- The Witch: Volker Vogel

Live Recording from the Zurich Opera House, 1999

Director: Frank Corsaro
Set Design and Costumes: Maurice Sendak

Sound Format: PCM Stereo
Picture Format: 16:9
Blu-ray Disc: 25 GB (Single Layer)
Resolution: 1080i High Definition (Upscale)
Subtitle Languages: DE (Original Language), GB, FR, ES, IT
Running Time: 105 mins
FSK: 0
Region Code: worldwide
Worldwide available