Christa Ludwig Movies

Academy Award-nominated documentarian Robert Dornhelm (Der Unfisch) directs this biographical film profiling the life, work and artistic expression of controversial yet multifaceted and undeniably brilliant conductor Herbert von Karajan. The work intercuts archival footage of Dornhelm with interviews featuring such collaborators as Anne-Sophie Mutter, Seiji Ozawa, Sir Simon Rattle and Christian Thielemann. ~ Nathan Southern, Rovi

German mezzo-soprano vocalist Christa Ludwig headlines this special classical concert, staged and performed in 1994 to commemorate her 70th birthday, and directed by Enrique Sanchez Lansch and Claus Viller. In it, Ludwig performs Franz Schubert's Die Winterreise, and a Lieder Recital with arias by Hugo Wolf, Gustav Mahler and others. ~ Nathan Southern, Rovi

Richard Wagner (1813-1883) wrote the music and libretto of Die Walküre (The Valkyrie), the second of four operas in Der Ring des Nibelungen (The Ring of the Nibelungs), a continuing story based on myths. In the first opera, the evil dwarf Alberich vies with Wotan, king of the gods, for possession of a golden ring empowering its wearer to rule the world. But the giant Fafner instead gains control of the ring. In Die Walküre, Wotan leaves to his earthly son, Siegmund, the task of recovering the ring, thereby preventing Alberich from seizing it first and using its power to destroy the gods. When Die Walküre opens, Siegmund is fleeing enemies and takes refuge at night in the dwelling of Sieglinde and her husband, Hunding. Because Siegmund's enemies are Hunding's friends, Hunding challenges Siegmund to a morning duel. While Hunding sleeps, Siegmund and Sieglinde discover that they are brothers and sisters, fall in love, and run off. Fricka -- the goddess of marriage -- demands that her husband, Wotan, punish Siegmund for enticing Sieglinde into incest. Wotan at first refuses. But under Fricka's nagging, he promises to intervene in the duel on Hunding's behalf. When Wotan's daughter Brünnhilde, a warrior maiden known as a Valkyrie, implores him to spare Siegmund, Wotan angrily refuses and forbids her to assist Siegmund. But headstrong Brünnhilde defies him and attends Siegmund during the duel. It is for naught. Wotan is there, too, and enables Hunding to slay Siegmund. Wotan then banishes Brünnhilde for her disobedience. She is to be cast into a deep sleep on a mountainside. However, Wotan agrees to create a ring of protective fire around her until a hero discovers and awakens her. In a touching final scene, father and daughter embrace and bid goodbye. ~ Mike Cummings, Rovi

Experience the magic of one of Richard Wagner's most revered works as The Metropolitan Opera's lavish production of Das Rheingold is captured live on-stage for release on home video. Featuring a cast of opera superstars including James Morris, Alan Held, and Mark Barker, this unforgettable production is one of the most memorable versions of Das Rheingold ever committed to film. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

In this concert video Leonard Bernstein conducts his comic operetta Candide at London's Barbican Center. ~ Rovi

Conducted by the renowned Maurizio Arena, this production of Puccini's legendary Madam Butterfly features Raina Kabaivanska in the title role, and includes supporting performances from Nazareno Antinori, Elonora Jankovic, and Lorenze Saccomani. Considered one of the most pivotal operas of all time, the story revolves around a tragic love affair between a Japanese maiden and an American sailor. ~ Tracie Cooper, Rovi