A New Fidelio to remember

Beethoven’s only opera is a masterpiece, an uplifting story of risk and triumph. This new production is conducted by Antonio Pappano.

Beethoven’s only opera is a masterpiece, an uplifting story of risk and triumph. In this new production, conducted by Antonio Pappano, David Butt Philip plays the political prisoner Florestan, and Lise Davidsen his wife Leonore (disguised as ‘Fidelio’) who daringly sets out to rescue him. Set in strong counterpoint are the ingredients of domestic intrigue, determined love and the cruelty of an oppressive regime. The music is transcendent throughout and includes the famous Act I Quartet, the Prisoners’ Chorus and Florestan’s impassioned Act II cry in the darkness and vision of hope. Tobias Kratzer’s new staging brings together the dark reality of the French Revolutionary ‘Terror’ and our own time to illuminate Fidelio’s inspiring message of shared humanity.

"Tobias Kratzer’s new staging rips Beethoven’s only opera in two to bring contemporary resonance... the singing is superb" (The Guardian)

"... it can hardly be faulted." (Opera Wire)

"... the show belongs to the Leonore of Norwegian soprano Lise Davidsen, whose rich, effortless sound and easy vocal athleticism (Beethoven is never easy on his singers) shine out of this production like the bright light into which the other prisoners finally stumble in Act One." (Culture Whisper ★★★★)

"Pappano’s interpretation makes this much-revised score sound as though it had burst complete from Beethoven’s brow. It is a vital, provocative reading, symphonic in its shape, scope and style..." (The Times Literary Supplement)

Genre Opera
Recording date 17 March 2020
Duration 138 minutes
Audio format Dolby Digital Stereo 2.0 + DTS-HD Surround 5.1 (DVD) / LPCM 2.0 + DTS-HD Master Audio
Stage Director Tobias Kratzer
TV Director Rhodri Huw
Light Design Michael Bauer
Sets Rainer Sellmaier
Distribution TV Naxos Rights (Europe) Ltd
Distribution DVD Naxos Rights (Europe) Ltd
Soloist David Butt Philip
Soloist Lise Davidsen
Conductor Antonio Pappano
Orchestra / Band Orchestra of the Royal Opera House