Der Freischütz
Synopsis
The legendary director Ruth Berghaus created this staging of Carl Maria von Weber’s Der Freischütz as a gripping theatrical experience for the Zurich Opera in 1993. Its revival in 1999 was a roaring success. With sets by Hartmut Meyer and costumes by Marie-Louise Strandt, Berghaus’ staging avoids the local peasant colour conventionally associated with Weber’s opera. Chorus and orchestra of the Zurich Opera House are conducted by Nikolaus Harnoncourt, universally celebrated for the structural transparency of his interpretations, his intellectual penetration and his emotional understanding of both music and opera plot. And last but not least an all-star cast made this production a highly memorable event: the dramatic soprano Inga Nielsen as Agathe, one of her best roles, the Swedish soprano Malin Hartelius as Ännchen, the sought-after Heldentenor Peter Seiffert, who gives a convincing passionate Max, and many others.
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Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Alf Bernhard-Leonardi
- Screenplay & Story
- Johann Friedrich Kind
- Original Score
- Carl Maria von Weber
- Original Title
- Der Freischütz
- Country of Origin
- Germany, Switzerland
- Spoken Languages
- German
- Runtime
- 2h 38m
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Alf Bernhard-Leonardi
Johann Friedrich Kind
Carl Maria von Weber
Department Leadership Roster
Carl Maria von Weber
Original Music Composer
Alf Bernhard-Leonardi
Director
Johann Friedrich Kind
Writer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Der Freischütz.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Der Freischütz
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Der Freischütz about?
The legendary director Ruth Berghaus created this staging of Carl Maria von Weber’s Der Freischütz as a gripping theatrical experience for the Zurich Opera in 1993. Its revival in 1999 was a roaring success. With sets by Hartmut Meyer and costumes by Marie-Louise Strandt, Berghaus’ staging avoids the local peasant colour conventionally associated with Weber’s opera. Chorus and orchestra of the Zurich Opera House are conducted by Nikolaus Harnoncourt, universally celebrated for the structural transparency of his interpretations, his intellectual penetration and his emotional understanding of both music and opera plot. And last but not least an all-star cast made this production a highly memorable event: the dramatic soprano Inga Nielsen as Agathe, one of her best roles, the Swedish soprano Malin Hartelius as Ännchen, the sought-after Heldentenor Peter Seiffert, who gives a convincing passionate Max, and many others.
Who directed Der Freischütz?
Der Freischütz was directed by Alf Bernhard-Leonardi.
Who stars in Der Freischütz?
The principal cast of Der Freischütz includes Peter Seiffert, Matti Salminen, Inga Nielsen, Malin Hartelius, Werner Gröschel.
When was Der Freischütz released and how long is it?
Der Freischütz was released in 1999 with a total runtime of 2h 38m.
Who composed the musical score for Der Freischütz?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Der Freischütz was composed by Carl Maria von Weber.