Product Details

• Actors: Kirov Ballet, Kirov Opera, Nikolai Putilin, Sergei Aleksashkin, Larissa Diadkova
• Format: AC-3, Classical, Color, Dolby, DTS Surround Sound, DVD, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
• Language: English (Dolby Digital 5.1)
• Subtitles: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Philips
• DVD Release Date: April 13, 2004
• Run Time: 174 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B0001AEU5K
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #154,788 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

TCHAIKOVSKY:MAZEPPA - DVD Movie

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A spotless performance of a superior opera, March 7, 2005

By 

Alain Blouin "alblouin" (Ste-Foy, Québec Canada) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Tchaikovsky - Mazeppa / Putilin, Aleksashkin, Diadkova, Loskutova, Lutsiuk, Gergiev, Kirov Opera (DVD)

Before this recording came out, I had heard about this opera. It's story seemed very capable of providing great musical moments. When I saw this dvd at my local store, I knew I was going to buy it. I bought it, and I definitely don't regret my decision.

Regarding the recording itself, it is of great quality. The image, sound quality and singing were all great. I personally didn't find Loskutova too old for her role. Aside from a few moments in the second act, she looked the part quite well (her mad scene was also quite convincing). The one singing Andreď, however, could've demonstrated a little bit more passion. As for the staging, it is, I think, perfectly adequate.

This opera was composed a little after Tchaikovsky's major operatic masterpiece "Eugene Onegin". You can easily recognize at some points the similarities between both works, even though they treat very different subjects (Eugene Onegin is very intimistic, whereas Mazeppa is a dramatic "grand opera", like Meyerbeer's "Les Huguenots"). One little gripe I have about this work of art is that since it lasts quite longer than Eugene (almost 3 hours), you don't always find the sweeping melodies that make Tchaikovsky's music what it is in some scenes. The first act, quite frankly, lacked vitality at some points. However, from the start of act 2 to the end of the opera, it just gets better and better. Kochubey and Iskra's last prayer before the execution at the end of the second act was extremely moving. This duet is definitely something worthy of the composer of the "Pathétique" symphony, and a good enough reason to buy this dvd (as well as the whole third act).

23 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A HIDDEN GEM, September 6, 2005

By 

Charles D. novak (minneapolis, minnesota USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Tchaikovsky - Mazeppa / Putilin, Aleksashkin, Diadkova, Loskutova, Lutsiuk, Gergiev, Kirov Opera (DVD)

MAZEPPA by Pyotr ILyich Tchaikovsky now out on DVD is a real find and treat. This 1996 performance by the Kirov Opera at the Marinsky Theater is a near perfect production in the traditional mode. The singing is excellent and the score begs for more then one hearing. I watched it twice the same day when my DVD copy arrived in the mail. I've also already purchased my ticket to see the Metropolitan Opera production of this seldom performed work during its 2005-06 season. Conductor Valery Gergiev once again proves his command of Russian opera and he keeps the proceedings moving swiftly without a baton in his hand. His orchestra is first rate! Of the singers, I would single out Larissa Diadkova as Lybov, the wife and Nokolai Putilin as Mazeppa. With colorful costumes, a first rate dance scene in act one and fantastic sound by the engineers of EuroArts, you can't go wrong buying this DVD. I could have done without the Marinsky Marching Band that opens the last act, but I quibble. You will fall in love with this music at first hearing. Move over PIQUE DAME, BORIS and EUGENE. Here comes MAZEPPA !! BUY THIS ONE!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Restored Gem!, April 10, 2008

By 

Dr. John W. Rippon "May 19, 1932 and still going" (Florida) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Tchaikovsky - Mazeppa / Putilin, Aleksashkin, Diadkova, Loskutova, Lutsiuk, Gergiev, Kirov Opera (DVD)

Mazeppa is truly a great find. It is yet another restored Russian gem given new brilliance by conductor Valery Gergiev and the Kirov. I had only been familiar with Tchaikovsky's "Eugene Onegin" and "Queen of Spades" in various productions and came to cherish each as great opera. The only other of his operas I had seen was "Maid of Orleans" which was not as sucessful as the others. So I thought Mazzeppa would be another "ho-hum" of historical interest and no more. What a surprise! This is a majestic epic of the wild times in Russian history and the legendary hero of Ukrainian history. It is full of drama, blood and thunder that would be found in the later Prince Igor, Boris and Khovanshchina. The orchestration of Mazeppa is grand and lush as you'd expect from the master symphonist, the characters are well drawn and develop. There is even a "mad scene" a la Donizetti-Bellini Italian school. This is a true gem with wonderful music for the ear and grand drama for the eye.