Product Details

• Actors: Michael Volle, Martin Zysset, Rolf Haunstein, Elizabeth Magnuson, Piotr Beczala
• Directors: Thomas Grimm
• Writers: Hans Jakob Christoph von Grimmelshausen, Viktor Léon
• Format: Anamorphic, Classical, Color, DVD, NTSC
• Language: German (Dolby Digital 5.1)
• Subtitles: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Kultur Video
• DVD Release Date: June 10, 2003
• Run Time: 132 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B00009PY2O
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #212,564 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)
• For more information about "Johann Strauss - Simplicius / Welser-Most, Volle, Zysset, Zurich Opera House" visit the Internet Movie Database (IMDb)

Editorial Reviews

Based on Grimmelhausen’s seventeenth-century picaresque novel, set during the Thirty Years’ War, Simplicius is the ingenuous hero of a tortuous tale of concealed identities and thwarted love – which leads, of course, to a happy ending. David Pountney’s witty and ingenious staging for the Zürich Opera brings out the very best in the extraordinary and exceptional work. Stars Michael Volle, Martin Zysset, and Rolf Haunstein.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Zurich Resurrects Lost Masterpiece, July 29, 2003

By 

J. M. Parr (Ottawa,Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Johann Strauss - Simplicius / Welser-Most, Volle, Zysset, Zurich Opera House (DVD)

The Opernhaus Zurich can well be proud of it's magnificent revival of Johann Strauss' lost operetta Simplicius. The performance on DVD here was the first revival of this work in 113 years since it's recent rediscovery. Strauss seems to have been aiming to make operetta more sreious and in line with mainstream opera. This one has the usual tangled love story set amid the Thirty years war with some unusally dark commentary about the horrors of war mixed in with the customary froth. His music is quite delightful as always, pieces such as Tilly's schnaps song or the love duets are very grateful on the ear.There is the usual quota of waltzes and marching songs. The wonderful ensemble cast never puts a foot wrong in David Poutney's magnificent production. The sets by Johann Engels are an inspired achievment. They seem to be a living, moving,almost breathing thing with a striking resemblance to one of the more fantastic paintings of Bosch or Breughel.The sets and costumes alone look like they would have bankrupted most opera companies. The DVD itself is beautifully produced with Leterbox picture and 5.1 sound well nigh perfect. there are english subtitles but unfortunately they have been placed within the viewing area instead of below the letterbox as it should have been. My sole complaint about a most desirable dvd for any opera lovers collection. Highest reccomendation!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply Delicious!, January 11, 2004

By 

Mr John Haueisen (WORTHINGTON, OHIO United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: Johann Strauss - Simplicius / Welser-Most, Volle, Zysset, Zurich Opera House (DVD)

At first glance, I was a little intimidated by the plot synopsis of Simplicius, but it turned out to be a delightful love story filled with beautiful Strauss waltz music.

Before a word is spoken, you will hear the lovely melodic theme of the operetta, which translates loosely as, "Now I like to go back in time, to that blissful distant past." It is a hauntingly beautiful melody, which has too long been neglected by the music world. You will recognize it as it turns up again and again during the story--but you will not tire of it! It also appears at the finale, as a grand finish to a happy-ending love story, which Strauss himself preferred to his better-known Gypsy Baron. (Perhaps it's just the romantic in me, but I think I hear Strauss, looking back on his long, successful life as a composer of beautiful waltzes.)

There are many other delightful songs adding spice throughout the story, but my favorite part of the operetta is the growing love between Tilly and "Simple." Martina Jankova as Tilly is irresitible, both in her singing and her acting skills. You'll love her fitful frustration at trying to get "Simple" to realize he loves her. I predict that we will see much more of Jankova in the future--she has all the skills to delight audiences.

The costumes and scenery are as close to perfection as the singing and acting. It is hard to believe that such a wonderful musical work has lain untouched for more than a century. This troupe has done justice to Simplicius, as the operetta has proclaimed Strauss' brilliance. And we happy few who have seen it, reap the delicious harvest.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not operetta, not opera, worth every penny, February 6, 2004

By 

Dr C (Florida) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Johann Strauss - Simplicius / Welser-Most, Volle, Zysset, Zurich Opera House (DVD)

When I purchased this DVD, I expected little. What I received was a great deal. The production is imaginatively staged. The singing - even the acting - is top shelf. Some expressionist touches bring life to the scenery. While this is a tale of romance, one is never far from the horrors of the mass murdering of the Thirty Years War. I will not spoil the surprises, but the juxtaposition of the final act's romantic denouement, family reunion, and imperial forgiveness with that tree with its special "fruit" could not be more effective in keeping this from becoming late Nineteenth Century Viennese schlag, all air and little substance. To be sure, Simplicius is a rogue but he is delightful rogue.

Someone not interested in another Die Fledermaus (if such a soul lives) need have no fear. Nor will one find Wozzeck. How this wonderful work could have been ignored for so long is incomprehensible although the difficulty of categorization may play a part.

It has quickly become a personal favorite.