What's new
Great reception of the Antichrist
Deutsche Oper Berlin’s DVD/Blu-ray recording of Antichrist well received
By Bendt Viinholt Nielsen
In July, Deutsche Opera’s spectacular production of Antichrist was released on DVD and Blu-ray on the NAXOS label. The opera is still being performed in Berlin, twice this season, on April 24 and May 2, 2025. So it is still possible to experience the production and the enthusiastic reception it receives every time it crosses the stage. But you can also just watch it on DVD. It is sung in German and there are no Danish subtitles (but English). The release has been beautifully reviewed in a number of international opera magazines. Here are a few excerpts:
DER OPERNFREUND. Reviewed by Ludwig Steinbach, 24.8.2024 .
“Rued Langgaard’s only opera Antichrist, now released on DVD by Naxos, is a true rarity. This is an extremely interesting work that was brilliantly brought to the stage by Deutsche Oper Berlin. […] The music leaves a big impression. […] The soundscape is extremely sumptuous and characterized by great density. About a third of the opera has no words. The orchestral interludes on the DVD are filled by ballet dancers brilliantly directed by choreographer Rob Fordeyn. Stephan Zilias on the podium […] conducts energetically and excitingly, brilliantly exploring facets of the rich score.”

BBC MUSIC MAGAZINE, Oct. 2024, reviewed by George Hall.
George Hall is impressed with this Berlin production of Langgaard’s complex and apocalyptic masterpiece, Antichrist.
“The score combines a wide range of musical styles, from Bachian counterpoint to Wagner and Strauss, with a distinctive and potent idiom, perhaps more Langgaard’s own. Whatever you think of the message, this is an impressive work of art. This production, sung in German, uses imagery from expressionist art to depict the tarnished morality. Visually, the result is outstanding, an almost non-stop use of choreography that practically turns the piece into an opera ballet. Stephan Zilias delivers a memorable performance as conductor.”
GRAMOPHONE, September 2024 Reviewed by Hugo Shirly .
“Any new version of such a rarely recorded work is welcome. And this production certainly leaves one with a fresh conviction of Langgaard’s individuality and the undeniable power of his project.”