The.magic.flute

This is the much anticipated release of the first HD broadcast by the Met from 2 years ago. I saw it in the theater and was overwhelmed by the spectacular effects and, although I am not a big fan of abridged works as well as works not done in the original language, these concerns were dispelled by this production. It continues to play well on second and third viewings-something I cannot say for all video opera productions. With the exception of Rene Pape, none of the principal performers are operatic household names although, Nathan Gunn, a relative newcomer, steals the show as Papageno. Close seconds are Greg Fedderly (Monostatos) and Jennifer Aylmer (Papagena)…

This was the groundbreaking broadcast that launched the Met’s heralded Live in HD series, seen by opera lovers in movie theaters around the world. Adults and children alike were enchanted by the whimsical humor and breathtaking puppetry of Julie Taymor’s hit production, presented in a shortened English-language version. Under the baton of Maestro James Levine, a winning ensemble cast – including Nathan Gunn, Ying Huang, Matthew Polenzani, Erika Miklosa, and René Pape – brings fresh life to Mozart's timeless fairy tale.