Fidelio - Beethoven - Opernhaus Zürich 2008

This production of Beethoven's only opera features a narrative focused on the struggle for freedom and the endurance of love. The performance includes the Leonore Overture No. 3 as an interlude during the second act, following a custom established by Gustav Mahler.

Directed by Katharina Thalbach, the film is a recording of a 2008 production for Opernhaus Zurich. It was produced by Opus Arte as the first project in a partnership with the opera house. The musical direction was led by Bernard Haitink, who conducted the Zurich Opera Orchestra. The cast is headed by soprano Melanie Diener in the role of Leonore, appearing alongside Roberto Saccà as Florestan, Alfred Muff as Rocco, Sandra Trattnigg as Marzelline, Christoph Strehl as Jaquino, and Lucio Gallo as Don Pizarro.

The film has a runtime of 149 minutes and was released on January 1, 2008. It was recorded in High Definition with surround sound. The screenplay is attributed to Joseph von Sonnleithner and Georg Friedrich Treitschke.