James LevineFilmography

Fidelio (Metropolitan Opera)

Crew: Art Director, Conductor

Synopsis: Deutsche Grammophon presents this 2002 performance of Ludwig van Beethoven's beloved opera Fidelio by the Metropolitan Opera. Starring Robert Lloyd as Don Fernando and Falk Struckmann as Don Pizarro, the production features music performed by the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra under conductor James Levine Read More

Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg

Crew: Conductor

Synopsis: This performance of Richard Wagner's opera, Die Meistersinger Von Nürnberg by the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and Metropolitan Opera Chorus was conducted by James Levine. ~ Cammila Albertson, All Movie Guide Read More

Don Giovanni (Metropolitan Opera)

Crew: Conductor

Synopsis: This performance of Mozart's opera Don Giovanni features the vocal talents of Bryn Terfel in the title role. ~ Cammila Albertson, All Movie Guide Read More

Fantasia 2000

Crew: Conductor, Musical Direction/Supervision

Actors: Steve Martin, Itzhak Perlman, Quincy Jones, Bette Midler, James Earl Jones, Teller, Penn Jillette, James Levine, Angela Lansbury, Leopold Stokowski

Synopsis: Initially released to IMAX theaters at the crescendo of millennial fever and 60 years after the original Fantasia, Fantasia 2000 was meant to revitalize Walt Disney's goal of a constantly evolving film, with new segments replacing old ones with each re-release. Only The Sorcerer's Apprentice Read More

Three Tenors in Paris

Synopsis: The three most famous operatic tenors in the world reunite for their third concert event, this time recorded in Paris in 1998. Jose Carreras, Placido Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti unite their voices to sing La Carnival Romain, Quando Le Sere Al Placido, Amor Ti Vieta, Voce'e Notte! and O Sole Mio. Read More

Götterdämmerung (Bayreuther Festspiele/Levine)

Crew: Conductor

Simon Boccanegra

Crew: Conductor

Synopsis: This rendition of Verdi's classic -- the title character is a complex figure whose love of both country and family prove a more than complicated combination -- was performed under the baton of conductor James Levine at the Metropolitan Opera House, and features opera legend Placido Domingo. Read More

Otello

Crew: Conductor

Actors: Plácido Domingo, Renée Fleming, James Morris

Synopsis: World-renowned tenor Plácido Domingo stars as the titular Moor in this performance of Otello, Giuseppe Verdi's operatic adaptation of William Shakespeare's immortal play. Released by Deutsche Grammophon, the filmed production also features James Morris as the sinister Iago and Renée Fleming as Read More

Parsifal

Crew: Conductor

Synopsis: One of Richard Wagner's typically epic-scale operas, this tale of a naïve man who makes his way into the world and joins the search for the Holy Grail is given an impressive production in this home-video release. Parsifal documents the Metropolitan Opera's 1992 staging of the opera, featuring Siegfried Jerusalem Read More

Falstaff (The Metropolitan Opera)

Crew: Conductor, Musical Direction/Supervision

Actors: Paul Plishka, Bruno Pola, Frank Lopardo, Piero De Palma, Anthony Laciura

Synopsis: New York's Metropolitan Opera mounted this interpretation of Giuseppe Verdi's 1893 commedia lirica Falstaff in 1992, which drew broad critical acclaim for Paul Plishka's lead portrayal of the titular Shakespearean figure. The composer adapted it from two of Shakespeare's plays - The Merry Wives of Read More

Essential Opera

Spirituals in Concert

Crew: Director

Die Zauberflöte (Metropolitan Opera)

Crew: Conductor

Synopsis: Kathleen Battle, Francisco Araiza, and Kurt Moll star in this production of one of Mozart's best-loved operas, staged by the Metropolitan Opera of New York with sets designed by David Hockney. In Mozart's witty and whimsical story, the wise but wily Sarastro (Kurt Moll) kidnaps the beautiful but Read More

Die Walküre (The Metropolitan Opera)

Crew: Conductor

Synopsis: Richard Wagner (1813-1883) wrote the music and libretto of Die Walküre (The Valkyrie), the second of four operas in Der Ring des Nibelungen (The Ring of the Nibelungs), a continuing story based on myths. In the first opera, the evil dwarf Alberich vies with Wotan, king of the gods, for possession Read More

Placido Domingo: Hommage a Sevilla

Crew: Director

Synopsis: Placido Domingo: Hommage a Sevilla features the legendary tenor showcasing the natural wonders of Spain while performing selections from such famous operas as Don Giovanni, Carmen, and Il Barbiere Di Siviglia. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide Read More

Das Rheingold (Metropolitan Opera)

Crew: Conductor

Synopsis: Experience the magic of one of Richard Wagner's most revered works as The Metropolitan Opera's lavish production of Das Rheingold is captured live on-stage for release on home video. Featuring a cast of opera superstars including James Morris, Alan Held, and Mark Barker, this unforgettable Read More

Siegfried (The Metropolitan Opera)

Crew: Conductor

Synopsis: This DVD highlights the third installment of Wagners's opera Der Ring Des Nebelungen, accompanied by conductor James Levine and the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. The cast stars James Morris as Siegfried Jerusalem, and also features Hildegard Behrens, Birgitta Svenden, and Matti Salminen.  Read More

Götterdämmerung (The Metropolitan Opera)

Crew: Conductor

Synopsis: Richard Wagner's Götterdämmerung arrives at the world renowned Metropolitan Opera in this production featuring conductor James Levine leading the Metorpolitan Opera and Chorus and starring Siegfried Jerusalem and Hildegard Behrens. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide Read More

Un Ballo in Maschera

Crew: Art Director

Actors: Aprile Millo, Leo Nucci, Luciano Pavarotti

Synopsis: This music performance video is a Verdi opera conducted by James Levine and performed by the Metropolitan Opera and Chorus and soloists Luciano Pavarotti, Leo Nucci and Aprile Millo. ~ Tana Hobart, All Movie Guide Read More

Aida

Crew: Conductor

Synopsis: This music performance video is a production of Verdi's tragedy. The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, conducted by James Levine, is accompanied by the Metropolitan Opera Chorus and by solists Zajick, Kavrakos, Burchuladze, and Milnes in its performance. ~ Tana Hobart, All Movie Guide Read More

Carmen (The Metropolitan Opera)

Crew: Conductor

Actors: Agnes Baltsa, José Carreras

Synopsis: This performance of Georges Bizet's classic opera Carmen features the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra under the direction of conductor James Levine. Agnes Baltsa performs the part of the famous title character. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide Read More

Il Trovatore

Crew: Conductor

Synopsis: Featuring world-renowned tenor Luciano Pavarotti, this release from Universal Classics presents a 1988 performance of Il Travatore at The Metropolitan Opera. Performed in the original Italian, the opera by Giuseppe Verdi includes music by the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra under the direction of Read More

Ariadne auf Naxos (The Metropolitan Opera)

Crew: Conductor

Synopsis: Ariadne auf Naxos begins with a lengthy prologue involving the premiere of an opera based on the story of Ariadne. A conflict develops when the opera's composer discovers that a frivolous comedy has been added to the bill after his new masterpiece. Tensions increase when it is decreed that Read More

Meet the Met

An Evening with Luciano Pavarotti and Joan Sutherland

Crew: Musical Direction/Supervision

Actors: Joan Sutherland, Luciano Pavarotti, Leo Nucci, Hillary Johnsson, James Courtney

Synopsis: As mounted and filmed at the Metropolitan Opera in 1987, this classical concert features two opera legends - tenor Luciano Pavarotti and soprano Joan Sutherland - performing a series of scenes from the seminal operas Lucia di Lammermoor, La Traviata and Rigoletto. The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra Read More

Live from the Met Highlights, Vol. 1

Crew: Conductor

Synopsis: Experience selections from The Bartered Bride, Lucia di Lammermoor, Tannhaeuser, Don Carlo and La Boheme. ~ All Movie Guide Read More

Lohengrin

Crew: Conductor

Synopsis: Richard Wagner's opera Lohengrin is given a typically expert and lavish production in this live video recording of the venerable classic being performed by New York's Metropolitan Opera Company in 1986. The cast includes Peter Hoffman, Eva Marton, and Leonie Rysanek, with James Levine directing Read More

Simon Boccanegra

Crew: Conductor, Musical Direction/Supervision

Synopsis: The Metropolitan Opera mounted this production of composer Giuseppe Verdi's opera Simon Boccanegra, starring Sherrill Milnes, Anna Tomowa-Sintow and Vasile Moldoveanu. The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and Chorus, under the direction of James Levine, provide musical accompaniment. ~ Nathan Read More

La Forza del Destino (The Metropolitan Opera)

Crew: Conductor, Musical Direction/Supervision

Actors: Richard Vernon, Leontyne Price, Leo Nucci, Giuseppe Giacomini

Synopsis: This video captures the performance of this tragic Verdi opera as it is performed by the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and Chorus. ~ Iotis Erlewine, All Movie Guide Read More

Francesca Da Rimini

Crew: Conductor

Actors: Renata Scotto

Synopsis: Legendary tenor Placido Domingo delivers an exceptional performance in this video, which records a 1984 performance by New York's Metropolitan Opera of Riccardo Zandonai's lush romantic story. Renata Scotto also stars in this production, which was praised for its elaborate sets and costumes, as Read More

Simon Boccanegra (Metropolitan Opera)

Crew: Conductor

Synopsis: Sherrill Milnes, Vasile Moldoveanu, Paul Plishka, Anna Tomowa-Sintow, and Dawn Upshaw star in this lavish production of what many regard as one of Verdi's finest and most challenging operas. Set in 14th century Genoa, two men conspire to have Boccanegra named Doge of Genoa, while another, Fiesco Read More

La Traviata

Crew: Conductor, Musical Direction/Supervision

Actors: Teresa Stratas, Plácido Domingo, Cornell MacNeil, Alan Monk, Axelle Gall

Synopsis: Tenor Plácido Domingo and soprano Teresa Stratas star in director Franco Zeffirelli's lushly cinematic version of Verdi's opera La Traviata ("The Woman Gone Astray"), a story of doomed love in 1840s Paris. Violetta (Stratas), who is the mistress of a wealthy baron, hosts a lavish party to Read More

Ernani

Crew: Conductor

Synopsis: Luciano Pavarotti takes the title role in this production of Verdi's operatic tragedy, in which a man falls for a woman who is pledged to another, leading to three men vying for the same woman, ending in betrayal and tragic consequences for all parties concerned. Leona Mitchell co-stars as Read More

Les Troyens: Metropolitan Opera

Crew: Conductor, Director, Musical Direction/Supervision

Synopsis: From the work of Les Levine, this performance features the Metropolitan Opera doing Berlioz's epic opera. ~ All Movie Guide Read More

The Metropolitan Opera: Centennial Gala

Crew: Director, Musical Direction/Supervision

Synopsis: In 1983, New York's Metropolitan Opera celebrated its one hundredth birthday and a stellar roster of the most prestigious names in classical vocal music stopped by to celebrate the occasion. This video record of the gala event includes performances by Kathleen Battle, Placido Domingo, Jose Carreras Read More

Turandot (Arena Di Verona)

Synopsis: Franco Zefferelli directs the Metropolitan Opera production of Puccini's Turandot in this live on-stage recording fromPolygram. Starring legendary performers Placido Domingo, James Levine, and Eva Marton, this opera is presented in the original Italian with English subtitles. Turandot tells the Read More

Don Carlo

Crew: Conductor, Director

Synopsis: This video presents the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and Chorus in a sumptuous production of Verdi's classic opera Don Carlos. Set in the court of Philip II of Spain, the tale of love and intrigue unfolds amidst a lavish set and gorgeous costumes. Creating unforgettable characters are popular Read More

Tannhäuser (Metropolitan Opera)

Crew: Conductor

Synopsis: One of Richard Wagner's most enduring works, this bold operatic tale of a medieval knight's struggle for freedom against the gods was given a striking production by the Metropolitan Opera, and this video captures the performance for the ages. Eva Marton, Richard Cassilly, Tatiana Troyanos and Read More

Lucia di Lammermoor (The Metropolitan Opera)

Crew: Musical Direction/Supervision

Actors: Joan Sutherland, Alfredo Kraus

Synopsis: Australia's greatest gift to the world of opera, Joan Sutherland, returned to the role that first made her an international sensation in the Metropolitan Opera's 1982 production of Lucia Di Lammermoor by Donizetti. This video records Sutherland's striking comeback performance as Lucia, which Read More

Idomeneo (Metropolitan Opera)

Crew: Conductor

Actors: Luciano Pavarotti

Synopsis: A musical production that was designed for the "Live From the Met" series, this program was produced by Jean-Pierre Ponnelle. ~ All Movie Guide Read More

La Bohème

Crew: Director

Synopsis: One of Puccini's most popular works (and the second-most performed opera at New York's Metropolitan Opera), this production by Franco Zeffirelli features Jose Carreras, Teresa Stratas, Renata Scotto,and Richard Stilwell, and boasts an extraordinary visual beauty in its retelling of this tragic Read More

Un Ballo in Maschera

Crew: Musical Direction/Supervision

Actors: Luciano Pavarotti, Katia Ricciarelli, Louis Quilico, Judith Blegen, Bianca Berini, Giuseppe Patone

Synopsis: Luciano Pavarotti stars as Riccardo in this production of Verdi's "Un Ballo in Maschera", staged by New York City's Metropolitian Opera Company in 1980. Director Elijah Moshinsky has reset the story in Boston as America is on the verge of the Revolutionary war to put a new spin on this story of Read More

Manon Lescaut

Crew: Conductor

Actors: Renata Scotto, Plácido Domingo

Synopsis: Puccini's Manon Lescaut opens at an inn in Amiens, where a group of poor students are reveling. One of these, Des Grieux, tells another, Edmondo, that he is impervious to the temptation of love. Soon after, a beautiful young girl, Manon, arrives with her brother, Lescaut and an older tax Read More

Elektra (Metropolitan Opera)

Crew: Conductor

Actors: Birgit Nilsson

Synopsis: Richard Strauss's operatic adaptation of the Greek tragedy Oresteia is preserved in this video recording of a February 16, 1980 performance as staged by New York's Metropolitan Opera Company. Birgit Nilsson stars as Elektra, who after the death of her father sets out to kill the wife and Read More

George Szell and the Cleveland Orchestra - One Man's Triumph

Synopsis: This documentary is a tribute to the legendary conductor of the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra, George Szell. Born in 1897 in Budapest, Hungary, Szell was a child prodigy pianist and composer. He studied in Vienna until 1914 and in 1915 became assistant conductor to the German composer Richard Read More

Der Ring des Nibelungen

Crew: Director

Synopsis: This performance video collection features the entire Der Ring des Nibelungen by the Metropolitan Opera. Sung in German with English subtitles, this is a seven cassette collection. ~ All Movie Guide Read More

Pavarotti and Levine in Recital

Synopsis: The great operatic singer and the world-famous pianist get together and perform excerpts from some of the world's great operas. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide Read More

Pavarotti Forever

Actors: Luciano Pavarotti, James Levine, Nuccia Focile, Andrea Griminelli, Zubin Mehta

Luciano Pavarotti: Ernani

Crew: Conductor, Musical Direction/Supervision

Actors: Luciano Pavarotti, Sherrill Milnes, Ruggero Raimondi, Leona Mitchell, Jean Kraft

Synopsis: Luciano Pavarotti: Ernani features the celebrated tenor performing Verdi's classic opera. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide Read More