This DVD presents a spectacular new production of Carl Nielsen's dramatic debut opera, Saul & David from 1901 - a production marking the Royal Danish Opera’s celebration of the composer's 150th anniversary in 2015.

King Saul, bitterly jealous of young David, who won the favour of the people by defeating the giant Goliath, is staged in a highly original fashion by acclaimed English director and Nielsen enthusiast David Pountney, who updates the Biblical story to our own time, lending it psychological and political undertones.
The performance is conducted by Nielsen expert Michael Schønwandt and presents an array of Denmark's leading singers with Johan Reuter in the demanding role of King Saul, Niels-Jørgen Riis as David and Ann Petersen as his beloved Mikal.

“Johan Reuter is overwhelmingly good in what may be the best role of his life.” Opernwelt

“The renowned Nielsen interpreter Michael Schønwandt conducted with great love for the music that never smothered it: drawing warm and polished playing from the orchestra, he gave the impression of really channeling and shaping the music as it pulsed through him” Opera Magazine

Booklet essays by director David Pountney and Nielsen scholar Knud Ketting

“Michael Schønwandt's expansive conducting conveys its epic scale and lyrical sweep…[Johann Reuter is] excellent here…his stage presence, arrogant yet vulnerable, is compelling. Niels-Jorgen Riis sings and portrays David more ardently than most…[and] Michael Kristensen makes a stronger than usual impression as the put-upon Jonathan…this is a strong performance which works well on screen.” BBC Music Magazine