. . . this "Orfeo" prevents the relative static of the proceedings from turning into a staged oratorio. The acting is exceptionally good, moving beyond the conveyance of larger emotional reactions into a level of subtler detail one seldom sees in opera performances. The singing leaves little to be desired. Huttenlocher is expressive and lyrical, while Schmidt performs freely and with fine tone. Both basses, Gröschel and Franzen, play up the character angle of their parts within their voices . . . Harnoncourt leads energetically, and with great rhythmic definition . . . Strongly recommended.

. . . a scintillating, authentic performance . . . a benchmark both in the history of "L'Orfeo" on video and in the way opera is shot for the screen.