Released on: 1967-01-01
Bizet Carmen
This spectacular opera film was taped in 1967 and is based on the 1966 Salzburg Festival production directed by Herbert von Karajan himself, who also conducts the fabulous Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The production features the three greatest exponents of their respective roles at the time: Grace Bumbryâs magnificently seductive-toned Carmen, Mirella Freniâs ineffably lovely, touching MicaĂ«la and Jon Vickersâs thrillingly manic-depressive Don JosĂ©. On its release the film was hailed by Die Presse, (Vienna) as a âunique artistic eventâ, while Le Monde felt that Karajanâs production brought âa whole new dimensionâ to the opera, âcombined with a magisterial interpretationâ. A classical and utterly dramatic approach to probably the world's most beloved opera â Karajanâs Carmen is as much a delicacy for opera fans as it is a perfect starter for newcomers.
