Benjamin Britten - A Midsummer Night's Dream
Benjamin Britten - A Midsummer Night's Dream

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Benjamin Britten - A Midsummer Night's Dream

2006
Movie
146 min
English

This is a live performance of BENJAMIN BRITTEN's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" shot at Teatro del Liceu in April of 2005 featuring singers DAVID DANIELS, OFELIA SALA, GORDON GIETZ & WILLIAM DAZELEY. HARRY BICKET conducts Orquestra Simfonica del Gran Teatro del Liceu. The production received such great reviews & audience reaction that performances continued in various opera houses throughout Europe that same year. The stage direction by ROBERT CARSEN also received rave reviews and is what is seen here in this program.

Insights

Director: David PountneyGenres: Opera, Classical, Music

Plot Summary

This acclaimed Glyndebourne production captures Benjamin Britten's enchanting opera adaptation of Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream." The story intertwines the fates of four young lovers, a troupe of amateur actors, and the mischievous fairies of the enchanted wood. As Puck's magical interventions lead to humorous mix-ups and transformations, the characters navigate the chaotic and whimsical night, ultimately finding resolution and reconciliation under the moonlight.

Critical Reception

The 2006 Glyndebourne Festival Opera production of Britten's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' was met with widespread critical acclaim for its imaginative staging, superb musical direction, and stellar vocal performances. Reviewers lauded the opera's wit, charm, and Britten's masterful musical setting of Shakespeare's text, highlighting the production's ability to capture both the comedy and the underlying magic of the play.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its enchanting musicality and faithful adaptation of Shakespeare.

  • Lauded for strong vocal performances and imaginative staging.

  • Celebrated as a significant contribution to Britten's operatic canon.

Google audience: Audience reception for this production has been overwhelmingly positive, with viewers frequently commenting on the magical atmosphere, the brilliant orchestration, and the captivating performances by the cast and orchestra. Many found it to be a delightful and memorable operatic experience.

Fun Fact

The role of Puck is famously sung by a countertenor, a casting choice that adds a unique ethereal quality to the character, highlighting the magical and otherworldly nature of the fairy realm.

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