Classical / Opera Blu-rays! Suggestions? - Blu-ray Forum

Johnny Vinyl · 08-22-2008, 09:51 PM

My preferred genre of Blu-ray's is music concerts. I have the majority of those blu-ray releases in my collection and am looking forward to new releases by Paul McCartney and Jewel, to name just two.

However, I am also very interested in getting some classical (primary) and operas (secondary) blu's.

If there are any classical music lovers out there, I would greatly appreciate some input as to what I should perhaps be purchasing. I am very tempted to order Vivaldi: The Four Seasons on a blind-buy, but I'll resist that temptation for now.

Looking forward to your input and thanks!

assur191 · 08-22-2008, 10:04 PM

Are you looking for audio-only? That's what the Vivaldi is....just high-def audio. If you're looking for an actual video recording of a concert, I'd highly recommend Rossini's "La Cenerentola" from Opus Arte.

Johnny Vinyl · 08-22-2008, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by assur191

Are you looking for audio-only? That's what the Vivaldi is....just high-def audio. If you're looking for an actual video recording of a concert, I'd highly recommend Rossini's "La Cenerentola" from Opus Arte.

I've been doing some reading and it seems like Opus Arte has a very good reputation. That is certainly a good sign and I will put your suggestion on my next purchase wishlist.

Jim L · 08-22-2008, 10:33 PM

Bear in mind, I am not an opera fan but classical music is one genre that I love.

Last week I decided to acquaint myself with some of the Mozart operas (The Magic Flute and The Marriage of Figaro) to expand my horizons. I was browsing through CDs on Amazon and trying to find a recording that had high recommendations and came across the Opus Arte release of Die Zauberflote. I was surprised to find that the Blu-ray was in the same price range as a good CD release.

I decided to order it and was very impressed with the sound and picture quality. Being a BD, it has PCM stereo or 5.1 sound and the picture is HD at 16x9 aspect. This is my first experience with opera, and having the video is important in understanding and following the story. It also has subtitles (which helps because opera singing is often in German or Italian.)

After I learn to appreciate operas, I will look to Opus Arte as a good source. The original material comes from a BBC broadcast.

If you ever get a chance to watch this one, it has a great song in it by the evil character who is the Queen of the Night. It's very high singing, but an enjoyable song. I can remember hearing it in the movie "Amadeus".

Yeha-Noha · 08-22-2008, 10:36 PM

I recommend Mozart: Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute) from Opus Arte.

Opus Arte has released several classical BDs including Puccini: La Bohème and
Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake. For the Opus Arte BD catalogue check out this link:

http://www.opusarte.com/pages/catalo...Title&offset=0

mystiksuicide · 08-22-2008, 11:03 PM

I would love to get Rondine al nido but the most common version out there is from Luciano Pavarotti and I don't like it. Hopefully in the near future more versions will be released.

Johnny Vinyl · 08-22-2008, 11:23 PM

I've definately heard of Die Zauberflote and will add that to my list as well.

I have about 20 classical vinyl LP's and I always enjoy listening to them. And I'm excited about purchasing some of your suggestions on Blu-ray to see what impact both the visual and auditory experience will be like. I feel like I want to expand my horizons and classical/opera is one area I'd like to begin with.

assur191 · 08-22-2008, 11:26 PM

Well, the selection in blu-ray is still tiny, but at least more is coming out. I own Die Zauberflote also, and would definitely recommend that as well. Also, Opus Arte is releasing "Il Trovatore" by Verdi next week. I'm not familiar with this particular recording, but the opera itself is fantastic, and it does have an excellent cast.

Quote:

Originally Posted by John72953

I've definately heard of Die Zauberflote and will add that to my list as well.

I have about 20 classical vinyl LP's and I always enjoy listening to them. And I'm excited about purchasing some of your suggestions on Blu-ray to see what impact both the visual and auditory experience will be like. I feel like I want to expand my horizons and classical/opera is one area I'd like to begin with.

Johnny Vinyl · 08-22-2008, 11:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rwojtalewicz

I recommend Mozart: Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute) from Opus Arte.

Opus Arte has released several classical BDs including Puccini: La Bohème and
Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake. For the Opus Arte BD catalogue check out this link:

http://www.opusarte.com/pages/catalo...Title&offset=0

Thanks for the link. I'll be checking the amazon site to see if I can get them.

08-22-2008, 09:51 PM	#1
Johnny Vinyl Moderator Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:Jul 2007 Location:At the crossroad of Analogue Dr & 2CH Ave Home Theater Gallery:19 Blu-ray collection:205 DVD collection:7 Blu-ray reviews:3 Trading Score:8	Classical / Opera Blu-rays! Suggestions? My preferred genre of Blu-ray's is music concerts. I have the majority of those blu-ray releases in my collection and am looking forward to new releases by Paul McCartney and Jewel, to name just two. However, I am also very interested in getting some classical (primary) and operas (secondary) blu's. If there are any classical music lovers out there, I would greatly appreciate some input as to what I should perhaps be purchasing. I am very tempted to order Vivaldi: The Four Seasons on a blind-buy, but I'll resist that temptation for now. Looking forward to your input and thanks!

08-22-2008, 10:33 PM	#4
Jim L Special Member Top contributor Member since:Apr 2006 Location:Myrtle Beach, SC Blu-ray reviews: 12 Trading Score:20	Opus Arte is good! Bear in mind, I am not an opera fan but classical music is one genre that I love. Last week I decided to acquaint myself with some of the Mozart operas (The Magic Flute and The Marriage of Figaro) to expand my horizons. I was browsing through CDs on Amazon and trying to find a recording that had high recommendations and came across the Opus Arte release of Die Zauberflote. I was surprised to find that the Blu-ray was in the same price range as a good CD release. I decided to order it and was very impressed with the sound and picture quality. Being a BD, it has PCM stereo or 5.1 sound and the picture is HD at 16x9 aspect. This is my first experience with opera, and *having the video is important in understanding and following the story. It also has subtitles* (which helps because opera singing is often in German or Italian.) After I learn to appreciate operas, I will look to Opus Arte as a good source. The original material comes from a BBC broadcast. If you ever get a chance to watch this one, it has a great song in it by the evil character who is the Queen of the Night. It's very high singing, but an enjoyable song. I can remember hearing it in the movie "Amadeus". Last edited by Jim L; 08-22-2008 at 10:39 PM.

Similar Threads
thread	Forum	Thread Starter	Replies	Last Post
Opera & Classical Blu-ray from Deutsche Grammophon/Universal	Blu-ray Movies - North America	mx2004	41	08-23-2010 04:21 PM
Gonna buy 2 Blu-rays.. Need suggestions	Blu-ray Movies - North America	enialal	23	12-26-2009 03:43 PM
Good Opera Blu-rays?	Blu-ray Movies - North America	itsmejennings	8	12-10-2009 04:32 AM
when will Sony Classical release classical music on Blu-ray format?(if ever?)	Wish Lists	quitemouse	2	04-16-2008 08:28 PM
Classical Blu-ray	Blu-ray Movies - North America	sutherland4l	9	01-11-2008 05:46 AM

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

08-22-2008, 10:04 PM	#2
assur191 Active Member Member since:Aug 2005 Blu-ray collection:345	Are you looking for audio-only? That's what the Vivaldi is....just high-def audio. If you're looking for an actual video recording of a concert, I'd highly recommend Rossini's "La Cenerentola" from Opus Arte.

08-22-2008, 10:36 PM	#5
Yeha-Noha Power Member Member since:Jan 2008 Blu-ray reviews: 43	I recommend Mozart: Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute) from Opus Arte. Opus Arte has released several classical BDs including Puccini: La Bohème and Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake. For the Opus Arte BD catalogue check out this link: http://www.opusarte.com/pages/catalo...Title&offset=0

08-22-2008, 11:03 PM	#6
mystiksuicide Blu-ray Guru Member since:Sep 2007 Location:Miami Blu-ray collection:305 Blu-ray reviews:27	I would love to get Rondine al nido but the most common version out there is from Luciano Pavarotti and I don't like it. Hopefully in the near future more versions will be released.

08-22-2008, 11:23 PM	#7
Johnny Vinyl Moderator Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:Jul 2007 Location:At the crossroad of Analogue Dr & 2CH Ave Home Theater Gallery:19 Blu-ray collection:205 DVD collection:7 Blu-ray reviews:3 Trading Score:8	I've definately heard of Die Zauberflote and will add that to my list as well. I have about 20 classical vinyl LP's and I always enjoy listening to them. And I'm excited about purchasing some of your suggestions on Blu-ray to see what impact both the visual and auditory experience will be like. I feel like I want to expand my horizons and classical/opera is one area I'd like to begin with.

Best Blu-ray Movie Deals