Fidelio

Beethoven's "Fidelio" is an opera about freedom, and the contrast between the darkness of imprisonment - which is taken as unjust political imprisonment - and the light of justice and liberty is both heard in the music and seen on the stage. It is this ethical force in addition to the purely musical strength and beauty of Beethoven's score that gives "Fidelio" its unique appeal among the great operas. This production by Gustav Rudolf Sellner was recorded at the Deutsche Oper Berlin in 1969 and stars Gwyneth Jones and James King in the leading roles. It was conducted by the great Karl Böhm in one of his rare appearances at the Deutsche Oper. "The kaleidoscope of passions is set in motion by Karl Böhm - a poised, powerful gait in which every tempo finds its perfect measure. Musically, the performance is glorious. With mighty build-ups, the film lunges towards the finale: the explosions of joy in a happiness that is hard won and in which all participate: Beethoven, the opera, television, the listeners and the viewers." (Die Welt)