Günter Krämer

Live performance from Wiener Staatsoper, 2003. Vjekoslav Šutej conducting Chor und Orchester der Wiener Staatsoper. Stage director Günter Krämer.

Nabucco the complex story of Nebuchadnezzar the King of Babylon, who proclaims himself God and is hereon afflicted with madness remains a success with audiences. The director Günter Krämer paid particular attention to the interpersonal component of the opera accentuating the conflict-ridden king's loss of power as the core. His Nabucco is the tragedy of a mighty ruler. Leo Nucci, the baritone well known at all the great opera houses of the world, is Nabucco. After experiencing him at the Vienna State Opera, a critic wrote of his "fascinating timbre" and "intense and plausible acting". Maria Guleghina, who performs Abigaille, is one of the most celebrated and acclaimed sopranos of the world. She has been described as "Russian soprano with Verdi flowing through her veins". Supported by a distinguished cast (Marina Domashenko, Miroslav Dvorský, Giacomo Prestia) this Nabucco is a must for opera lovers.

The definitive version of this rare opera by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The costume and set design is truly visionary and other worldly and gives a convincing insight into what staged operas must have looked like during the Baroque and Rococo period. Singers are all excellent and well cast in their respective roles. One of the most thrilling things I have seen, just wish I could see this live.

Eléazar, a Jewish goldsmith burdened by a terrible secret. Soile Isokoski is his beloved daughter Rachel, in love with a man who turns out not to be Samuel, a simple workman in her father’s shop, but Prince Léopold. Rachel is sent to her gruesome death by Cardinal de Brogni, who discovers Eléazar’s secret too late.