Search - Engelbert [Classical] Humperdinck, Georg Solti, Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra :: Humperdinck: Hänsel und Gretel

Great opera, not just for children

D. R. Schryer | Poquoson, VA United States | 10/05/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Regrettably Hansel and Gretel has acquired a reputation as an opera for children. Yes, the title characters are children (sung by adult sopranos) and children often find this opera more appealing than most other operas, but Hansel and Gretel is a great opera which should appeal to people of all ages, if they will listen to it without bias. Personally, I think it's one of the half dozen or so greatest operas ever written. Humperdinck was a student and devotee of Wagner and was heavily influenced by him, but he managed to express the best elements of the Wagnerian style on a human scale. Even people who regard Wager's operas as long and tedious should find Hansel and Gretel quite beautiful and appealing. This is a very good performance, comparable to the one with Anna Moffo as Gretel and Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau as the father, which is my personal favorite. But whichever performance you choose, if you love great operas, please get Hansel and Gretel and listen to it without any preconceived notions."