Die Fledermaus (1984)
Most opera houses ring in the New Year with Johann Strauss Jr.'s most popular operetta--the festiveness of which is appropriate for the occasion--and this December 31, 1983, Covent Garden performance follows suit. An exceptional cast--led by Hermann Prey and Kiri Te Kanawa as the couple whose marriage survives the comic indiscretions of three long acts--obviously has as much fun as the audience. Plácido Domingo leads the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House through its paces with panache. Prince Orlofsky's Act II party is always a splendid opportunity to pull out all the stops with surprise "guests," and this performance makes the most of its chance: entering the proceedings to sing one of his tailor-made chansons, "She," is French crooner Charles Aznavour, who is followed by dancers Merle Park and Wayne Eagling, their delightful pas de deux flashily choreographed by Sir Frederick Ashton.
Director: Humphrey Burton
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Kiri Te Kanawa as Rosalinda |
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Hermann Prey as Gabriel von Eisenstein |
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Dennis O'Neill as Alfred |
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Hildegard Heichele as Adele |
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Paul Crook as Dr. Blind |
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Benjamin Luxon as Dr. Falke |
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Michael Langdon as Colonel Frank |
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Ingrid Baier as Ida |
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Doris Soffel as Prince Orlofsky |
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Richard Hazell as Ivan |
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Josef Meinrad as Frosch |
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Patrick Fyffe as Dame Hilda Bracket |
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George Logan as Dr Evadne Hinge |
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Charles Aznavour as Prince Orlofsky's Guest |
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Plácido Domingo as Conductor |
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Orchestra of the Royal Opera House as |
| Sound | Johann Strauss II | Original Music Composer |
| Directing | Humphrey Burton | Director |
| Sound | Plácido Domingo | Conductor |
