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Described as the "perfect" opera, Verdi's masterpiece equals the level of Shakespeare and is one of the finest tragedies ever written. In the Zeffirelli tradition of operatic film making, Felsenstein has directed this multi-million dollar film. It is a truly unique and spectacular presentation with a cast of hundreds, telling the legendary story of Othello, the jealous Moor, his wife Desdemona and the scheming Iago. Sung in German.

CAST: Hans Nocker, Otello; Christa Noack-von Kamptz, Desdemona; Vladimir Bauer, Iago.

CAST: Rolf Wollrad, Barbara Hoene, Lidija Rushizkaja, Stephan Spiewok, Elenore Elstermann

"***" VIDEO TIMES

A remarkable performance by the great Theo Adam is the highlight of this production of the story of Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, and her brother, Ptolomey, the King of Egypt. A particularly successful interpretation, Caesar is seen not as the ideal leader, but rather as a man with normal faults and weaknesses. Handel's development of Cleopatra's eight arias represents one of his greatest achievements into the insight of human character. Sung in German. Berlin State Opera conducted by Peter Schreier.

CAST: Theo Adam, Caesar; Celestina Casapietra, Cleopatra.

Mozart was barely 26 years old when he composed this opera. It was one of the happiest times of his short life, and this is reflected in the music, some of his finest and most highly expressive. With the creation of Osmin, one of the most memorable comic figures of opera, this merry song-play illustrates how profound human love, ideas and faith can overcome power and egotism. It is beautifully staged and perfectly sung in the original German by The Dresden State Opera, directed by Harry Kupfer.

Considered by most opera professionals to be the world's greatest bass, Ghiaurov has been invited to perform with virtually all of Opera's superstars and in all the major opera houses of the world. This program of complete film performances of many of his celebrated roles includes Gounod's Faust, Rossini's Barber of Seville, Verdi's Requiem and Simon Boccanegra, Massenet's Don Quixote, Mussorgsky's Boris Godunov and others.

"La Favorita is beautiful: the last act... every note a masterpiece."
ARTURO TOSCANINI

Sophia Loren, in one of her first starring roles, is spectacular as La Favorita. Together with Lucia di Lammermoor, this underperformed gem ranks as Donizetti's greatest achievement in tragic opera. The sparkling new print reveals a picturesque 1955 feature film of the 4-act opera that is beautifully performed by La Scala and Rome Opera stars Paolo Silveri, Franca Tamantini and Gino Sinimberghi. Sung in Italian and punctuated with English narration.

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Starring Metropolitan Opera and La Scala stars Tito Gobbi and Mario del Monaco, this colorfully filmed drama of the life and loves of the great composer, Giuseppe Verdi, is played against a backdrop of the great operas of the 19th Century. With more than 20 excerpts from Rigoletto, La Traviata, Otello, Aida, Il Trovatore, Nabucco and others, this film tells the story of the composer's struggle for success, his loves, and his musical triumph over the forces of political domination. A theatrical and critical success. Perfectly dubbed in English and sung in Italian.

This dramatic feature film tells the story of a great artist whose passionate love for his country comes into conflict with his love for a woman. With several arias by Tito Schipa, this tale of love, passion, rebellion and political intrigue is set to the music of one of the 19th Century's most celebrated artists and patriots. An elaborately produced film, dubbed in English, with arias in Italian.

Placido Domingo, joined by Shirley Verrett, Simon Estes, Barbara Hendricks, Wang Yan Yan and the National Orchestra of France under the direction of Lorin Maazel, performs the most memorable arias of Puccini and Verdi, including selections from Otello, Tosca and Il Trovatore. Presented by the U.N. High Commission for Refugees, this 1989 Classic Aid II Gala concert, live from UNESCO in Paris, captures their riveting performances with 8 cameras and digital Hi-Fi stereo sound.

"You will find this backstage look a facinating experience." - USA Today
"Highly Recommended." - Video Librarian

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"The program captures it all, and is probably more fun to watch than the opera itself. Highly recommended."
VIDEO LIBRARIAN

A drama within a drama.... Witness two stories: the making of an opera, and the opera itself. An exciting and revealing look into the world of opera, this film follows the day-to-day creative process of staging a grand opera during a 21-day rehearsal period, and on to the final spectacular production. Featuring Stefka Evstatieva, Allan Monk, Judith Forst and Ernesto Veronelli with the Canadian Opera Company conducted by Maurizio Arena.

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"Christmas as seen through the eyes of children."
THE NEW YORK TIMES

American opera star, Frederica von Stade, known by her childhood nickname Flicka, celebrates the holiday season with the music of Christmas. She rediscovers the picture postcard alpine village of St. Wolfgang for a week of holiday activities with 2 charming children and the townspeople. She and her friends perform more than 18 carols, including such favorites as "O Tannenbaum" and "Deck the Halls," highlighted by an original music-video style version of "The Twelve Days of Christmas." A collection to be enjoyed year after year by the entire family.

"Rashomon remains a classic." - All Movie Guide

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