Everyone sings refreshingly direct and unfussy American English . . . the acting is spirited yet blessedly unexaggerated. As Humperdinck's title characters, Judith Blegen and Frederica von Stade are utterly compatible musically, vocally and theatrically. Gretel's little folk song in the forest and, in Act II, the description of her dream are particularly treasurable in the diminutive Blegen's gleaming-voiced portrayal. (What fabulous intonation!) Similarly rewarding is von Stade's Hansel: her ever-distinctive lyric-mezzo timbre beautifully suits her role. In this irrepressible Hansel one can't get enough of von Stade's adorable grin . . . Jean Kraft delivers her character's lament very touchingly, and as always, she proves a superb character actress. She's excellently partnered by the vocally and dramatically hearty Michael Devlin, whose projection of English is outstanding. In the forest, we encounter the vocally well-contrasted Sandman (Diane Kesling, in her house debut) and Dew Fairy (Betsy Norden) . . . Rosalind Elias sings and acts a marvelous Witch. Sporting blacked-out teeth, a false nose and a green tongue, she's deliciously gleeful throughout, with both a terrific cackle and (unlike so many others in this role) solid vocalism throughout the large range . . . Thomas Fulton offers a satisfying balance of power, delicacy and buoyancy. He has the inestimable advantage of the Met orchestra: just listen to the richness of horn tone in the prayer theme heard in the overture, as well as the wonderfully confident oboe solo in the Act II prelude. A warm welcome to DVD for this lovable performance!

Judith Blegen bezaubert hierbei als warm und frisch intonierende Gretel, ein selbstbewusstes kleines Persönchen mit Power und frecher, frommer Kindlichkeit . . . Thomas Fulton führt das Metropolitan Opera Orchestra mit flotten Tempi durch die Partitur und lässt zugleich die romantischen Sequenzen leicht und blühend atmen.

. . . märchenhafter kann man dieses Stück wohl kaum inszenieren . . . mit hervorragenden sängerischen Leistungen, sowie einem spannungsvollen Dirigat von John Fulton.

Un premier degré qui se regarde avec un brin de nostalgie . . .