Lohengrin is often said to be Wagner's most accessible opera and his most Italianate. Die Meistersinger and The Flying Dutchman are arguably just as accessible in their own ways, but Lohengrin's more Italian structure and feel make it an especially good point of entry into the composer's artistic universe. Lovers of more conventional opera can hear it without feeling lost amidst the austere glories of Der Ring or Tristan.

The finales, with their complex ensembles and big climaxes, are particularly reminiscent of those in Mozart's da Ponte operas and some of Bellini's. Elsewhere in mature Wagner it is rare to hear each character singing her or his own thing at the same time, particularly against the background of a chorus. In Lohengrin there isn't much quintessentially Wagnerian music, though the Act I prelude and later passages derived from it represent the composer at his best. The etherial fanfares that punctuate Acts II and III also anticipate great things to come in later operas.

Since Lohengrin won't be showing at your neigbourhood opera house any time soon, this DVD might be the next best thing. It is based on a superb Vienna production with a star-studded cast, conservative staging and realistic sets. Claudio Abbado conducts and leaves little to be be desired musically.

Placido Domingo, a Spaniard who has become the very quintessence of an Italian tenor, may seem a strange choice for a role that is usually given to a Heldentenor and he does indeed take a little getting used to. He works out well, though. The passage in which Lohengrin finally reveals his name and origins is particularly lofty and effective. And let's not forget that the character is supposed to come from Montsalvat in a strange, far-off land. An Italian accent and manner are not necessarily inappropriate.

(Even so, if I could make one change in the production, it would be to replace Domingo with someone more Germanic.)

The other roles are admirably served. In particular, Hartmut Welker is an excellent Telarmund. His portrayal of a man of honour, corrupted and eventually destroyed by his evil wife is vocally and dramatically compelling. The wife, Ortrud, is portrayed with chilling conviction by Duny Vejzovic.

Elsa, the woman whom Lohengrin saves and marries, is sung by a radiant Cheryl Studer. Of the principals, her acting is the most conventionally operatic, but for all that she generally engages one's sympathy.

Image Entertainment's packaging is more than a little stingy. The only documentation is a single sheet with a chapter index and cast list. Period. This is not a bargain-priced release. It costs just under $50 and should have included more printed information and perhaps some analysis.