Hansel & Gretel

Music is in Opera form. A little book comes with it so I can learn to sing the words to some of the songs. In this story the children return home to both parents. The gingerbread people are children with a witch'spell on them. Because Gretel was brave and killed the witch all of the children are able to return home to their parents. Some of the simple songs I will teach to my own grandchildren. I am not an opera singer. I do like classical music.

Excellent recording.

It is probably the only opera of any kind, unless one counts Gian Carlo Menotti's 1951 opera "Amahl And The Night Visitors", that is accessible to all ages. It is the German composer Engelbert Humperdinck's 1893 opera "Hansel And Gretel", based on the famous and dark fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm, and a work that, while it is the only one by which Humperdinck is known, has remained a part of opera companies ever since Richard Strauss conducted its successful premiere in Weimar on December 23, 1893. In fact, it is often performed at Christmas time, sometimes with the same frequency given to Tchaikvosky's "Nutcracker" or Handel's "Messiah."Naturally, most performances and recordings of "Hansel And Gretel" (of which there have been probably thousands) are in the composer's native German. Early on in the 20th century, however, an English translation was made by English composer and pianist Constance Bache; and here in America, the English version is that of a translation made by Norman Kelley for a performance of the opera by the Metropolitan Opera in 1967. It is this version that is performed here on this Avie recording by a very distinguished cast that includes Heidi Grant Murphy, Janice Taylor, and Susanne Mentzer, with Humperdinck's music given a first-rate treatment by the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra & Chorus under the direction of Andreas Delfs. The sweetness of the work is very evident, but it doesn't droop over into sappiness; the dark nature of the story is evident as well, but not so much that it will scare too many children out of their minds.In terms of German-language versions, Jeffrey Tate's Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra recording and Sir Colin Davis' one with the Dresden State Orchestra are ones I would rate the best. In terms of the English-language versions, however, this one tops them all. When it comes time for Christmas, seek this recording out.

Superb recording and if you're looking for this opera sung in English you couldn't do better. Everything positive about this recording is dead on right.

Excellent live recording of Hansel and Gretel and the only one I have ever found in English! The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra under Andreas Delfs has proven it deserves a spot on the world stage. I would highly recommend this CD to anyone.