Humperdinck‘s opera 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.

Frank Corsaro’s production for Zurich Opera was designed by Maurice Sendak. They have worked together on numerous highly-acclaimed opera stagings, all noted for their striking visual impact.

Sendak is renowned world-wide for his classic children’s books. His vivid, magical and often disturbing imagery is perfect for the fairy-tale 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

"From explosive effects to tender depictions of nature, Franz Welser-Möst... draws an impressive diversity of sound from the orchestra of the Zurich Opera." - Tages-Anzeiger

Cast:
- Peter, A Broom-Maker: Alfred Muff
- Gertrud, His Wife: Gabriele Lechner
- Hänsel, His Son: Liliana Nikiteanu
- Gretel, His Daughter: Marlin Hartelius
- The Witch: Volker Vogel

Director: Frank Corsaro
Set Design and Costumes: Maurice Sendak

Live recording from the Zurich Opera House, 1999.

Sound Format: PCM Stereo, DD 5.1, DTS 5.1
Picture Format: 16:9
DVD Format: DVD 9, NTSC
Subtitle Languages: DE, GB, FR, ES, IT
Running Time: 105 mins
FSK: 0
Region Code: 0
Worldwide available, excluding North America, Japan