DVD 7260 BLUEBEARD'S CASTLE (Bartok)

Justly famous for his Concerto For Orchestra, I sometimes think of this work by Bartok as a Concerto For Two Voices and Orchestra; especially so when presented in concert form as it is here. The singers are fine but it is the orchestra that really shines in this performance; particularly at the fifth and seventh doors. A previous reviewer used the work "spooky" and appropriately so. This is evident in the excellent subtitles, especially toward the end when the Duke suddenly starts talking to Judith in the past tense. Your're next, kid. Freed from costumes and stagecraft the singers are able to devote themselves purely to the music but I didn't feel the intensity that I have experienced in other performances, hence my four stars. This is a worthwhile disc nonetheless. Excellent picture and sound.

This is a BBC Proms concert with a perfect, HD quality picture and sound, excellent subtitles. The opera itself is on the spooky side, very atmospheric music, using every instrument in the orchestra. Soloists intense. Great!