A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE

André Previn
A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE
San Francisco Opera House, 1988

Soloists: Reneé Fleming, Elizabeth Futral, Rodney Gilfry
Orchestra, Chorus: Orchestra of the San Francisco Opera House
Conductor: André Previn
Director: Colin Graham

The main highlight of André Previn"s previous composing work was his production of the opera A Streetcar Named Desire which was adapted from the successful play of the same name by Tennessee Williams, and first performed on 19 September 1998 at the Opera House in San Francisco. Previn wrote the catchy music to the dramatic plot which revealed his experience as a film composer. The music is mostly tonal and features a melodic charm and a gentle character. André Previn’s first opera is a gripping conversion of the scenic and acoustic local atmosphere of the glorious nation. The wildly acclaimed opera by Previn mainly thrives on the scenic and musical presence of the four main actors. Renée Fleming brought a Blanche on the stage who makes her sad way between being lost in dreams and succumbing to the solace of alcohol.

„This DVD is a marvellous memento of what was surely a significant landmark in operatic history.“ Gramophone, Oktober 2012

"This performance is so good I recommend Streetcar to both theatre-goers and opera fans. This Streetcar makes for enjoyable, at times compelling viewing - especially when Fleming is front and center." Denver Post / Bosten Herald, 1998