Fidelio (1990)
A landmark filmed record of Beethoven's only opera, performed at the Royal Opera House with a distinguished international cast.
Fidelio - Movie Information
- Original Title: Fidelio
- Release Year: 1990
- Directed by: Derek Bailey
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Music
- Runtime: 2h 9m
- Original Language: German
- Spoken Languages: German
- Release Date (Theatrical): November 21, 1990 (United Kingdom)
- Production Companies: ArtHaus, Royal Opera House
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
Fidelio - Plot
Beethoven's opera Fidelio.
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Fidelio - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Derek Bailey
Main Cast
- Gabriela Beňačková
- Josef Protschka
- Neill Archer
- Marie McLaughlin
- Robert Lloyd
- Monte Pederson
- Hans Tschammer
Fidelio - FAQs
What is Fidelio (1990) about?
Fidelio is Beethoven's only opera, a stirring story of courage and devotion. Leonore disguises herself as a prison guard named Fidelio to rescue her unjustly imprisoned husband Florestan. It's a powerful tale of loyalty, justice, and the triumph of love over tyranny, captured here in a Royal Opera House production.
Is Fidelio (1990) based on a true story?
Beethoven's opera is loosely inspired by a real event. The libretto draws from a French rescue opera by Jean-Nicolas Bouilly, who claimed the story was based on an actual incident during the French Revolution. Beethoven transformed it into a universal hymn to freedom and marital fidelity.
Where can I watch Fidelio (1990)?
You can find streaming and viewing options for Fidelio (1990) on JustWatch, which lists all available platforms in your region. Availability may vary depending on your location, so checking JustWatch is the easiest way to find where it's currently streaming or available to rent or buy.
Who sings the role of Leonore in this production?
Czech soprano Gabriela Beňačková takes on the demanding role of Leonore, the opera's heroic protagonist. Her performance is widely regarded as one of the highlights of this Royal Opera House production, bringing both vocal power and emotional depth to Beethoven's most celebrated female role.
Who are the main cast members in Fidelio (1990)?
The cast features Gabriela Beňačková as Leonore, Josef Protschka as Florestan, Robert Lloyd as Rocco, Monte Pederson as the villainous Don Pizarro, Marie McLaughlin as Marzelline, Neill Archer as Jacquino, and Hans Tschammer as Don Fernando — a strong ensemble assembled for this Royal Opera House staging.
How does this 1990 Fidelio compare to other filmed productions?
This Derek Bailey-directed filming captures a prestigious Royal Opera House staging with a distinguished cast, making it a valued document of late-20th-century opera performance. For comparison, the Royal Opera House revisited the work in 2020, offering audiences a chance to see how interpretations of Beethoven's opera have evolved over three decades.
What language is Fidelio performed in?
The opera is performed in German, which is the original language of Beethoven's Fidelio. As is standard for major opera house productions, the sung text follows the original libretto. Viewers unfamiliar with German may want to seek out a version with subtitles for the fullest appreciation of the drama.
How long is the 1990 Fidelio film?
This filmed production runs for 2 hours and 9 minutes, which reflects the full length of Beethoven's opera including its celebrated overture and two acts. It's a substantial but rewarding watch, especially for fans of classical opera or those discovering Fidelio for the first time.
More About Fidelio
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