Customer Reviews

Humperdinck: Hansel And Gretel

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Having seen this live with Larmore and Upshaw (in the utterly charming and now foresaken Met production) conducted by Mackerras in 2001, it's no surprise that the Chandos CD is a complete treat! The music here is just simply divine and the great Mackerras is the main reason for this. Larmore and Evans totally get it right (I can't say the same for Coote and Schaefer from the '07 broadcast, who also sang this same translation); they are so musical and eat up every line. Diction is so clear and I love Diana Montague as the Sandman. Chandos? Keep it coming.

I think I own just about every recording of Hansel and Gretel ever made...and this one by far is the topper! Everyone comes together with abolute perfection to bring a total musical and theatrical experience to this charming opera. Especially outstanding are Jennifer Larmore and Rebecca Evans as Hansel and Gretel. They obviously immersed themselves totally in the roles and convey it beautifully to the listener. I'm not familier with Jane Henschel as a singer, but her Witch is awesome! Just the right touch of comic and menacing qualities. Charles Mackerras' conducting and the beautiful playing by The Philharmonia provide the cream on the top. I must also mention that this recording has some wonderful sound effects including a spectacular explosion of the witche's oven! By all means grab this recording...and enjoy it!

I am a great fan of this opera and have heard many studio recordings. I think this is one of the best, although I could not give it an ALL STAR rating for the following reasons:

Diction is horrible. I bought it because it was in English only to discover I couldn't understand hardly a word. Even the great Rise Stevens and Nadine Conner recording was understandable for the most part. These singers didn't even try to be understood. It was obvious that they were more interested in vocal sound that getting the words out.

I was extremely disappointed with the translation. As an opera singer myself, I have performed the role of the father many times. Since when did he become a wife beater? Rubbish! And I hate the use of the word "BRATS" that the mother says. In addition to the mother, another voice void of diction, it is clear from the so-called translation that the mother beats her children in a bloody manner.

This is the same transaltion that the Met just used in their new production this year if that makes a difference.

The orchestra is crisp, energetic, but not overly exciting.

Although I love this opera with an appropriate translation, the recording I would highly suggest is the one with Barbara Bonney as Gretel in German. The diction is fantastic and the orchestra is very exciting to listen to.

In short, I like this recording, but it is doubtful I will keep it too long before I give it away.

I bought this CD in preperation for singing in a production of this opera. The cast on this CD is excellent. I highly recommend that you add this one to your listening library.