Humperdinck: Hansel and Gretel [Opera in English] [Import]

Engelbert Humperdinck (Composer), Sir Charles Mackerras (Conductor), Philharmonia Orchestra (Orchestra), Jennifer Larmore (Performer), Rebecca Evans (Performer), Jane Henschel (Performer), Rosalind Plowright (Performer), Robert Hayward (Performer), Sarah Tynan (Performer), Diana Montague (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Jennifer Larmore, Rebecca Evans, Jane Henschel, Rosalind Plowright, Robert Hayward, et al.
• Orchestra: Philharmonia Orchestra
• Conductor: Sir Charles Mackerras
• Composer: Engelbert Humperdinck
• Audio CD (July 31, 2007)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 2
• Format: Import
• Label: Chandos
• ASIN: B000PMGSCW
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #94,998 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

ClassicsToday.com, Robert Levine, June 2008

10/10. I prefer a lighter-toned Sandman, but Diana Montague cannot be faulted vocally or for her gentle singing, and Sarah Tynan's Dew Fairy is lovely. Rosalind Plowright's Mother is strong (she might have made a good Witch) and Robert Hayward sings the Father's music brightly (Mackerras leads his entrance "Tra-la-la-las" nice and quickly). Orchestra and chorus are superb. This set is a pleasure--the ideal Hansel in English, and perhaps in any language.

Product Description

2008 GRAMMY Award Winner - Opera Performance

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Down with the Dumps, Out with the Grumps!, January 4, 2008

By 

Paul Evans "pevans67" (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Humperdinck: Hansel and Gretel [Opera in English] (Audio CD)

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.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb!, February 3, 2008

By 

Michael Baskin "Mikey B." (Kissimmee, FL) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Humperdinck: Hansel and Gretel [Opera in English] (Audio CD)

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!

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Better than most, but . . ., April 9, 2008

By 

L E WILLIS (Salt Lake City, ut United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Humperdinck: Hansel and Gretel [Opera in English] (Audio CD)

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.