Search - Saint Francois d'Assise [DVD Video] on DVD

Finally On DVD!

Kevin P. Odaniel | Kensington, CA United States | 06/05/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Saw the production in 2002 in San Francisco after gearing up with the Nagano/Salzberg production on CD that had just surfaced at the time on DG. That box set contributed to many's fascination with the brilliant Messiaen.

Gorged on this opera a few times in a great breakthrough production with Sir Willard White as Saint Francis. The whole thing was incredible beyond words. Hoping to see the production commercially available - but never materialized.

Been waiting since then for any DVD of this Opera to become available, but began to think it would ever be released -- even though the piece had some momentum at the time. Even if it was released, was afraid it would fall short of the potential due to the complexity of the production and difficulty to the performers.

However, this DVD is in a class by itself, I concur with the other reviewers "TC" and "Paolo" - who have done a great job detailing the accomplishment.

Having this release in the catalog at this quality and level of commitment is a major achievement -- a thrill -- moreover OPus ARTE and Pierre Audi have reached a pinnacle that may never be matched on DVD ever again."

Word of Warning

Archie | Ottawa ON Canada | 08/25/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I also will give this production the full 5 stars. It is an excellent production in all respects; and has been fully described in other reviews.

However... T. C. wrote: "This is a powerful rendition of a great opera, but it takes a lot of concentration and patience to enjoy it. Highly recommended for those who like this kind of music." That just about sums it up from my point of view. I bought it because I am always trying to expand my experience and knowledge of opera. But this work feels as if it goes on as long as Messiaen took to write it. Comparatively it makes the longeur bits of "Die Meistersinger" seem to be written by Rossini. I am not saying that I regret having bought it, despite the price; but I would like to emphasise that it is not everybody's cup of tea.

Archie"

Amazing

G. Stefan Lazar | San Francisco, CA USA | 08/12/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There is no end to the superlatives that can be used to describe this release. It should be something everyone experiences at least once. The singing, direction, orchestra have produced a magnificent achievement. I also so the SF production and was bowled over by the work."