Bluebeard's Castle - Béla Bartók
Information about the opera Bluebeard's Castle by Béla Bartók, and the best recordings available on CD or DVD, or for download.
Bartók's only opera, but one of the 20th century's most powerful works.
Recommended recordings on CD
Gergiev/White/Zhidkova (LSO Live LSO 0685)
Recorded live at the Barbican Hall, London, in 2009, this is a superb recording.
London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Valery Gergiev, 2009.
Cast: Willard White (Bluebeard), Elena Zhidkova (Judith).
LSO Live LSO 0685
Haitink/Tomlinson/Otter (EMI 556 162-2)
A superb digital recording with excellent sound.
Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Bernard Haitink.
Cast: John Tomlinson (Bluebeard), Anne Sofie von Otter (Judith).
EMI 556 162-2
Kertész/Berry/Ludwig (Decca 466 377-2)
A superb transfer of this classic version.
London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by István Kertész, 1965.
Cast: Walter Berry (Bluebeard), Christa Ludwig (Judith).
Decca 466 377-2