DVD0163. DIE MEISTERSINGER, Live Performance, 2001, w.Levine Cond. Metropolitan Opera Ensemble; James Morris, René Pape, Thomas Allen, Ben Heppner, Matthew Polenzani, Karita Mattila, John Relyea, etc. 2-DG High Definition Stereo and Surround Sound B0003455-09. - 044007309490

CRITIC REVIEWS:

"This Meistersinger, Otto Schenk’s Metropolitan Opera production that premiered in 1993 is an old friend….It’s a visual feast – warmly lit like an old master painting, the sets and costumes sumptuously detailed. The Met’s large stage is frequently quite well-populated: the riot at the end of the second act is fabulously choreographed, and it really does seem as though an entire town has turned out for the singing contest in the meadow at the opera’s conclusion….If you are building a Wagner video collection, this one’s a ‘must’."

- Andrew Quint, FANFARE, July/Aug., 2005



"The Met's Wagner productions are [until recently], in general, as good as anything you'll hear in the world....The Met Orchestra does not disappoint, and Levine's conducting is always alert and affectionate....The singers become their characters so thoroughly that you're not thinking it's Mattila, Heppner, Morris, etc., singing the Quintet: it's Eva, Walther, and Sachs, large as life. A magical performance, warmly recommended."

- Ralph V. Lucano, AMERICAN RECORD GUIDE, May/June, 2005