A rich man invites to a banquet at which - at his wish - a new opera, Ariadne auf Naxos, is to be performed simultaneously with the improvised play The Faithless Zerbinetta and Her Four Lovers.

Ariadne Auf Naxos

Staging directors Patrice Caurier and Moshe Leiser infuse German composer Engelbert Humperdinck's fairy-tale opera with more than a dollop of black humor in this 2008 London performance that's both enchanting and menacing. Angelika Kirchschlager and Diana Damrau play Hansel and Gretel, respectively, and beloved British baritone Thomas Allen portrays their father in an outstanding production led by maestro Colin Davis.

Engelbert Humperdinck: Hansel and Gretel

The Blu-ray Experience II: Opera, Ballet & theatre

The composer of Land of Hope and Glory is often regarded as the quintessential English gentleman.  But Elgar's image of hearty nobility was deliberately contrived.  In this revelatory portrait of a musical genius, John Bridcut explores the secret conflicts in Elgar's nature which produced some of Britain's greatest music. Featuring specially filmed performances by the BBC Symphony Orchestra.