Bizet Carmen

This spectacular opera film was taped in 1967 and is based on the 1966 Salzburg Festival production directed by Herbert von Karajan himself who also conducts the fabulous Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra The production features the three greatest exponents of their respective roles at the time Grace Bumbrys magnificently seductivetoned Carmen Mirella Frenis ineffably lovely touching Micaëla and Jon Vickerss thrillingly manicdepressive Don José On its release the film was hailed by Die Presse Vienna as a unique artistic event while Le Monde felt that Karajans production brought a whole new dimension to the opera combined with a magisterial interpretation A classical and utterly dramatic approach to probably the worlds most beloved opera Karajans Carmen is as much a delicacy for opera fans as it is a perfect starter for newcomers