Set Design and Costumes by Maurice Sendak

Humperdinck‘s Hänsel und Gretel is steeped in the guileless world of folk-song: the children‘s songs and dances, the idyllic forest scenes, the supernatural material and the central thematic chorale are all rooted in German traditional music.

The conductor Franz Welser-Möst draws this impressive diversity of sound from the orchestra of the Zurich Opera House. Frank Corsaro’s production was designed by Maurice Sendak. They have worked together on numerous highly-acclaimed opera stagings, all noted for their striking visual impact.

Sendak is known worldwide for his classic children’s books. His vivid, magical and often disturbing imagery is perfect for the fairytale world of Hänsel und Gretel. He expands the Witch’s gingerbread cottage into an entire farmyard of sweetmeats, complete with windmill. The house has a life of its own, with menacing, glowing eyes, which also dominate the stage during the ‘Witch’s Ride’ interlude.

This production of Humperdinck’s endearing and musically adroit opera will entrance adults and children alike.

Sound Format: PCM Stereo

Picture Format: 16:9

Blu-ray Disc: 25 GB (Single Layer)

Resolution: 1080i High Defi nition (Upscale)

Subtitle Languages: DE (Original Language), GB, FR, ES, IT

Running Time: 105 mins

FSK: 0