Elisabeth Schwarzkopf Movies

Under the conducting of Herbert Von Karajan, the Vienna State opera Ballet, the State Opera Chorus and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra combine to give a colorful and inspiring performance of Richard Strauss' Der Rosenkavalier. The film is appealing to even the most casual of opera fans and will be instrumental in converting first-time listeners to the joys of grand opera. Seasoned opera buffs delighted in this three hour and 14 minute extravaganza. Dr. Paul Czinner, who brought the Bolshoi Ballet out of Russia to further their worldwide acclaim, produced and directed this artful film entry. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide

Released a few months after the Italian The Passion According to St. Mathew, this Austrian film is, like the earlier effort, based on a theatre piece. But whereas the Italian picture was inspired by Bach's oratorio, St. Mathew's Passion is a filmed record of a newly commissioned State Burgtheatre production. Actor Raoul Aslan movingly recites the biblical story of the last days of Christ, while the Philharmonic Orchestra of Vienna underscores his words. Director Ernst Marischka breaks up the visual monotony of the proceeding by utilizing a montage of photographs and paintings of the Middle Eastern regions where the original story took place. Reviewers felt that St. Mathew's Passion should have been promoted as a documentary rather than a dramatic feature. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide