DVD + Blu-Ray:
The Idiot

Based on Dostoevsky's novel, Weinberg's The Idiot is a masterpiece that "has the whole of Salzburg Festival on the edge of its seat.” (Die Presse)

Weinberg's final opera, based on Dostoevsky's novel, condenses the plot without losing its psychological depth. Prince Myshkin, mentally ill yet believing in goodness, meets merchant Rogózhin on a train, sparking a tale of dependence, madness, and murder. The opera, rediscovered in the last decade, presents the composer Weinberg as Shostakovich's equal. The Idiot, composed in 1986-1989, now staged in Salzburg, directed by Krzysztof Warlikowski and conducted by Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla, brings the world of literature to the opera stage.

The excellent cast of singers contributes to make the production a great success. Bogdan Volkov “expressive lyrical tenor touches intimately in the piano and yet remains able to cope with all orchestral storms” (BR Klassik) “(...) absolutely deserves a place in the repertoire” (New York Times) An absolute masterpiece” Gidon Kremer; “So good it hurts” (Financial Times) “This Idiot has the whole of Salzburg on the edge of its seat.” (Die Presse)

Genre Opera
Composer Mieczyslaw Weinberg
Soloist Bogdan Volkov, Ausrine Stundyte, Vladislav Sulimsky, Iurii Samoilov, Xenia Puskarz Thomas
Orchestra / Band Wiener Philharmoniker
Choir Konzertvereinigung Wiener Staatsopernchor
Conductor Mirga Grazinyte-Tyla
Stage Director Krzysztof Warlikowski
Recording location Salzburg Festival, Felsenreitschule, August 2024
Production Company A production of Unitel in cooperation with Wiener Philharmoniker and Salzburg Festival
Duration 196 mins