CD-Charts Position 1
Average Rating:

In Search Of Mozart

starring: Renee Fleming, Sir Roger Norrington, Magdalena Kozena, Sir Charles Mackerras, Leif Ove Andsnes
directed by: Phil Grabsky

Release Date December 08, 2006
This is the best documentary on Mozart yet produced. The musicians and performers are some of the world's very best. The film is well done and gives a real understanding of Mozart, his life and times. The musical excerpts are exceptional. Don't miss it!!

CD-Charts Position 2
Average Rating:

Mozart - Idomeneo

starring: Magdalena Kozena, Anja Harteros, Ekaterina Siurina, Ramon Vargas, Jeffrey Francis
directed by: Roger Norrington

Release Date February 13, 2007
Before I begin, I want to mention that I don't think there is any problem with the sound in this video, and that occasionally I have put in one of these modern dvds, thought the sound was terribly full of ambience, and then I chose a better sound track for my antique system, and everything sounded much better.

Anyway, the singing in this video is quite good, particularly Kozena as Idamante, Vargas as Idomeneo, and the Ilia was also very good. The Arbace was also quite enjoyable, but I am pretty sure that one of his arias was cut, the way I am used to hearing this opera. I have only watched this once and would have to go back and check to make sure of that. The Elettra was beautiful but the role seemed just a bit bigger than the ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 3
Average Rating:

Messiah

starring: Charlotte Hellekant, Lynne Dawson, Nicole Heaston, Magdalena Kozená, Brian Asawa
directed by: William Klein

Release Date December 06, 2005

George Frideric Handel's most famous work, the inspired 1741 oratorio, MESSIAH (Koch Lorber) is taken from Judaism and Christianity's interpretation of the prophesied "anointed one;" that is, Jesus, the Savior, Prince of Peace and God in the flesh.

Originally conceived for performance at Easter, with a text taken from the King James Bible, the work has become a staple of Christmas celebrations in the English-speaking world.

Filmmaker William Klein's audacious take on Handel's Messiah -- performed in full -- mixes a potpourri of images both sacred and profane that keeps the central message of both the oratorio and Jesus' life front and center.

The stirring narrative of Christ's life from birth to death ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 4
Average Rating:

Gluck - Orphée et Eurydice / Robert Wilson · John Eliot Gardiner - Kozená · Bender · Petibon - Théâtre du Chatelet

starring: Magdalena Kozená, Madeline Bender, Patricia Petibon
directed by: Brian Large

Release Date May 22, 2001
What a waste of beautiful music by Gluck. What's all that stilted and hand gestures all about? If I wanted to see a Chinese Peking Opera, I would have gone to one. This is a French Opera, no amount of "modern" production can make it "better". Save your money and get the Australian Opera production with the same title. It's modern and beautifully sung and staged.

CD-Charts Position 5
Average Rating:

Orphée et Eurydice [Region 2]

starring: Magdalena Kozená, Madeline Bender, Patricia Petibon
directed by: Brian Large

Release Date
What a waste of beautiful music by Gluck. What's all that stilted and hand gestures all about? If I wanted to see a Chinese Peking Opera, I would have gone to one. This is a French Opera, no amount of "modern" production can make it "better". Save your money and get the Australian Opera production with the same title. It's modern and beautifully sung and staged.

CD-Charts Position 6
Average Rating:

Messiah [Region 2]

starring: Charlotte Hellekant, Lynne Dawson, Nicole Heaston, Magdalena Kozená, Brian Asawa
directed by: William Klein

Release Date

George Frideric Handel's most famous work, the inspired 1741 oratorio, MESSIAH (Koch Lorber) is taken from Judaism and Christianity's interpretation of the prophesied "anointed one;" that is, Jesus, the Savior, Prince of Peace and God in the flesh.

Originally conceived for performance at Easter, with a text taken from the King James Bible, the work has become a staple of Christmas celebrations in the English-speaking world.

Filmmaker William Klein's audacious take on Handel's Messiah -- performed in full -- mixes a potpourri of images both sacred and profane that keeps the central message of both the oratorio and Jesus' life front and center.

The stirring narrative of Christ's life from birth to death to resurrection is performed ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 7
Average Rating:

Bach Cantatas, BWV 179, 199 & 113 / Sir John Eliot Gardiner, Monteverdi Choir

starring: Magdalena Kozená, William Towers

Release Date
As a musician, I never grow tired of Bach's music. It's also obvious to me that John Eliot is meticulous in how he prepared for this pilgrimage, and what he expected out of each performance. I'm writing this to inform anyone who is interested that the complete year long cycle of performances were recorded, and are being released individually on John Eliot Gardiners own label, SDG. (Many of you will know the acronym) They are being released about 4 per year. Each CD is incomparable. Google Monteverdi choir for more info