Der Freischütz

Der Freischütz (1999) is a music, drama film directed by Alf Bernhard-Leonardi.

The legendary director Ruth Berghaus created this staging of Carl Maria von Weber’s Der Freischütz as a gripping theatrical experience for the Zurich Opera in 1993. Its revival in 1999 was a roaring success. With sets by Hartmut Meyer and costumes by Marie-Louise Strandt, Berghaus’ staging avoids the local peasant colour conventionally associated with Weber’s opera. Chorus and orchestra of the Zurich Opera House are conducted by Nikolaus Harnoncourt, universally celebrated for the structural transparency of his interpretations, his intellectual penetration and his emotional understanding of both music and opera plot. And last but not least an all-star cast made this production a highly memorable event: the dramatic soprano Inga Nielsen as Agathe, one of her best roles, the Swedish soprano Malin Hartelius as Ännchen, the sought-after Heldentenor Peter Seiffert, who gives a convincing passionate Max, and many others.

Cast

Peter Seiffert

Max

Matti Salminen

Kaspar

Inga Nielsen

Agathe

Malin Hartelius

Ännchen

Werner Gröschel

Kuno

Cheyne Davidson

Prince Ottokar

László Polgár

Eremit

Volker Vogel

Kilian

Raphael Clamer

Samiel

Nikolaus Harnoncourt

Conductor