Feuersnot is Richard Strauss’s second opera and made up for the failure of his first when its 1902 Dresden premiere was a resounding success. It is a lively one-act drama about the ancient Bavarian tradition of celebrating midsummer night with bonfires, songs and dances at the summer solstice – a work full of allusions.

The score has quotations from Wagner and echoes of contemporary composers such as Mahler and Bruckner. Nonetheless, it is genuine Strauss – from racy waltzes to enchanting love duets.

Conductor Gabriele Ferro acquits himself well in handling the complex score and keeping the balance between the pit and the crowded stage – the orchestra sounds marvellous.

“Nicola Beller Carbone triumphs magnificently in the role of Diemut” (Forum Opéra) and Dietrich Henschel, in the role of her suitor Kunrad, sings a “full-voiced baritone” (Tagesspiegel).

Cast:
- Diemut: Nicola Beller Carbone
- Kunrad: Dietrich Henschel
- Schweiker von Gundelfingen: Alex Wawiloff
- Ortolf Sentlinger: Rubén Amoretti

Stage Director: Emma Dante
Set Designer: Carmine Maringola
Costume Designer: Vanessa Sannino

Live from the Teatro Massimo Palermo, 2014

Special Feature: 'Making of Feuersnot', including interviews with the artistic team

Sound Formats: PCM Stereo, dts-HD Master Audio 5.1
Picture Format: 16:9
Subtitles: DE (Original Language), GB, KOR
Blu-ray Disc 25 GB (Single Layer)
Resolution: 1080i High Definition
Running Time: 113 mins & 13 mins (Bonus)
FSK: 0
Region: worldwide
Worldwide available