Classical Movies

One of the most celebrated classical vocalists of his generation, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau is equally skilled in grand opera as he is in German "lieder," and he shows off the full range of his vocal talent in this special home-video collection. The Art of Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau features Fischer-Dieskau performing great moments from Mozart's Don Giovanni and Le Nozze di Figaro, Strauss' Arabella and Die Frau Ohne Schatten, Puccini's Il Tabarro, and more, while he also offers a program of his favorite lieder pieces, including compositions by Beethoven, Mahler, Schubert, and Schumann. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

The Alban Berg Quartett performs a series of string quartets by Ludwig von Beethoven in Beethoven: String Quartets, vol. 1. The chamber music featured in this release includes: Opus 18, Nos. 1, 3 and 4; Opus 130; Opus 131; and Opus 74. ~ Nathan Southern, Rovi

TDK presents this performance of Antonio Vivaldi's The Four Seasons at the Venetian Villas. Conductor Claudio Scimone leads I Solisti Veneti, while Gabriele Cazzola directs this recording for television and video. ~ Dana Rowader, Rovi

Remember what it was like to ring in the New year with class as Mariss Jansons joins the Weiner Philharmoniker for a special concert originally staged on January 1, 2006 and featuring a wide variety classic compositions by Johann Strauss II, W.A. Mozart, Eduard Strauss, Josef Strauss, and Joseph Lanner. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Sir Simon Rattle leads the Berlin Philharmonic in a stellar performance of Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 5 in C Sharp Minor on this performance video, recorded during a performance in 2002. Mahler: Symphony No. 5 also features an interpretation of Asyla, the first full orchestral work by acclaimed contemporary composer Thomas Ades. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

In the tradition of the Three Tenors, the Three Sopranos -- Elena Obraztsova, Ileana Cotrubas, and Renata Scotto -- gathered to perform some of the world's most celebrated soprano compositions, to the delight of opera fans around the world. Originally filmed inside Italy's legendary Roman Amphitheatre, the selections include pieces from Carmen, Tales of Hoffmann, Aida, and Pagliacci, among others. ~ Tracie Cooper, Rovi

A leading composer of 20th century art music, Olivier Messiaen was a key figure in the European avant-garde and a major inspiration for such composers as Boulez and Stockhausen, both of whom studied under Messiaen. This home video release features a performance of his "Quartet for the End of Time," as played by The Messiaen Quartet in a recital at the Vaux De Cernay Abbey, as well as footage of the composer himself performing improvisations for organ at the Paris-Trinity Church. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

The War Symphonies: Shostakovich Against Stalin documents how the famous composer wrote some of his most well-known work as a direct response to the oppressive tactics of the Russian leader. The film utilizes recordings of the symphonies along with archival footage in order to provide viewers with a historical context for the events discussed. ~ Perry Seibert, Rovi

This classical performance release finds violinist and conductor Andre Rieu leading a live symphonic set against the backdrop of Efteling, the fantasy-laced theme park of the Netherlands. Such characters as Snow White, The Wizard of Oz and Peer Gynt appear and illuminate the stage, creating a fantasy-like ambience, while Rieu leads the Johann Strauss Orchestra in renditions of "Sabre Dance," "Tara's Theme," "Salomé," and much more. Rieu also plays his violin on a number of selections. ~ Nathan Southern, Rovi

This musical release from conductor Nikolaus Harnoncourt captures a live performance of some of the most beloved secular works of Johann Sebastian Bach, with performances by soloists like Janet Perry and Robert Holl. Pieces featured in the performance include "Orchestral Suite No. 3", "Brandenburg Concertos Nos. 3", and more. ~ Cammila Collar, Rovi

Beethoven Quartets Nos. 9 and 11 are performed by the Guarneri String Quartet, introduced by Hal Linden. ~ Rovi