Giacomo Puccini: Turandot

Soloists:

Katia Ricciarelli, Eva Marton, José Carreras

Orchestra, choir:

Vienna State Opera Orchestra, Vienna Boys' Choir

Conductor:

Lorin Maazel

Director:

Harold Prince

Arthaus presents a timeless documentary of grand opera from the Vienna State Opera. Lorin Maazel and a dream ensemble of renowned singers, including the young Eva Marton and José Carreras in his thirties, perform Puccini's famous production of Turandot. Puccini's last opera tells of the battle of the sexes in an exotic setting. The work tells the story of the enchantingly beautiful and cold but seductive Chinese princess Turandot. The opera is characterized by the tension that arises between the denial of love and secret affection, self-sacrifice and obsession with sacrifice, cold cruelty and pure love. The performance was received with unanimous enthusiasm. Lorin Maazel achieved great personal success with both the audience and critics with his passion, authority, and brilliant conducting. At the end of the performance, the applause lasted three quarters of an hour and was directed not only at Maazel but also at the magnificent team of singers and actors. Hungarian soprano Eva Marton brought to the title role what one critic described as "a brilliantly metallic voice that conveys a beautiful woman's expectation of victory over her opponent, but also her fear of men in general." Alongside her, José Carreras appeared as Calaf, once again displaying his “unprecedented intensity” and “irreplaceable tenor voice.” Katia Ricciarelli received equal praise for her role as “the best Liù of all time.”