Die Zauberflöte, 2 DVDs

This production of Mozart's Magic Flute received enormous and unanimous approval, when it was premiered in Salzburg. Endless applause on the night and an unusual state of accord from the international press where enthusiastic reviews soon gave this staging the status of a legend.
Of course, none of that would have had the same appeal if it had not been in accord with Mozart's music, performed quite un-theoretically, with perfect blend of lightness and pathos, humour and profundity, by James Levine and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra; nor would it all have worked without a truly Festival-worthy cast of singers whose strengths were perfectly balanced and every single one of whom - right down to the members of the chorus - was totally committed to the work.