James Levine Movies

Famed soprano Renée Fleming hosts this filmed Metropolitan Opera production of Giacomo Puccini's classic 1893 opera Manon Lescaut, starring Finnish performer Karita Mattila as the title character, and co-starring Sean Panikkar as Edmondo, Marcello Giordani as Des Grieux and Dwayne Croft as Lescaut. James Levine conducts; The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Chorus and Ballet provide added accompaniment and support. This particular film debuted on an unusual note, as one in a series of operas given mainstream, High-Definition cinema release in the United States. ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide

This performance of Richard Wagner's opera, Die Meistersinger Von Nürnberg by the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and Metropolitan Opera Chorus was conducted by James Levine. ~ Cammila Albertson, All Movie Guide

Germany's unique and beloved Waldbuhne ampitheater, with its natural setting and seating capacity of 22,000, serves as the milieu for this classical concert from 1999. In it, the eminent James Levine conducts the Berlin Philharmonic in interpretations of pieces by Strauss and Wagner. Selections include: Strauss's Don Juan, Op. 20 and Der Rosenkavalier - Di Rigori Armato and Wagner's Tristan und Isolde - Prelude and Liebestod and Lohengrin - Prelude to Act 3. ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide

The three most famous operatic tenors in the world reunite for their third concert event, this time recorded in Paris in 1998. Jose Carreras, Placido Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti unite their voices to sing La Carnival Romain, Quando Le Sere Al Placido, Amor Ti Vieta, Voce'e Notte! and O Sole Mio. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

World-renowned tenor Plácido Domingo stars as the titular Moor in this performance of Otello, Giuseppe Verdi's operatic adaptation of William Shakespeare's immortal play. Released by Deutsche Grammophon, the filmed production also features James Morris as the sinister Iago and Renée Fleming as Desdemona. Music is provided by the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra under conductor James Levine. ~ Matthew Tobey, All Movie Guide

New York's Metropolitan Opera mounted this interpretation of Giuseppe Verdi's 1893 commedia lirica Falstaff in 1992, which drew broad critical acclaim for Paul Plishka's lead portrayal of the titular Shakespearean figure. The composer adapted it from two of Shakespeare's plays - The Merry Wives of Windsor and Henry IV; it checked in as his final opera, and only one of two comedies that he authored. This production features Bruno Pola, Frank Lopardo and Piero de Palma in the supporting cast, with production and set design by Franco Zeffirelli and James Levine conducting the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and Chorus. ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide

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, All Movie Guide

Placido Domingo: Hommage a Sevilla features the legendary tenor showcasing the natural wonders of Spain while performing selections from such famous operas as Don Giovanni, Carmen, and Il Barbiere Di Siviglia. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide

This DVD highlights the third installment of Wagners's opera Der Ring Des Nebelungen, accompanied by conductor James Levine and the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. The cast stars James Morris as Siegfried Jerusalem, and also features Hildegard Behrens, Birgitta Svenden, and Matti Salminen. ~ Tracie Cooper, All Movie Guide

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, All Movie Guide

This music performance video is a production of Verdi's tragedy. The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, conducted by James Levine, is accompanied by the Metropolitan Opera Chorus and by solists Zajick, Kavrakos, Burchuladze, and Milnes in its performance. ~ Tana Hobart, All Movie Guide

Ariadne auf Naxos begins with a lengthy prologue involving the premiere of an opera based on the story of Ariadne. A conflict develops when the opera's composer discovers that a frivolous comedy has been added to the bill after his new masterpiece. Tensions increase when it is decreed that, because of time restrictions, both pieces are to be performed together so that there will be time for a fireworks display afterward. The cast and creators struggle to quickly come up with a way of making this impossible situation work, and the opera begins in earnest. Ariadne, discarded by her lover Theseus, is on the island of Naxos, awaiting death. A troupe of comedians arrives and tries to entertain her, but her grief is too great. Zerbinetta, leader of the troupe, tries to persuade her that she is foolish to want death in such a manner, and Ariadne leaves her in anger. Zerbinetta and her pals then cavort about, with various ones vying for Zerbinetta's attention, which she eventually gives to Harlekin. Ariadne is then told that a ship is approach; assuming it is Hermes coming to take her to her death, she awaits it. However, it turns out to be Bacchus, a beautiful, young god whom Ariadne at first takes to be Theseus. Bacchus, struck by Ariadne's beauty, tells her who he really is and takes her with him to live in the heavens. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide