Mozart in Turkey - Die Entfuhrung aus dem Serail.

Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Paul Groves (tenor), Lynton Atkinson (tenor), Yelda Kodalli (soprano), Desiree Rancatore (soprano). Conductor Sir Charles Mackerras.

BBC/Opus Arte DVD OA 0891 D.

THIS DVD recording of Mozart's Die Entfuhrung aus dem Serail (The Abduction from the Harem) is both exciting and unusual.

Not only do you have the performance of this "songspiel", but also there is a chance to see behind the camera, the staging and production.

Added to this is its wonderful setting, the magnificent Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, Turkey.

In 1781, Mozart was in Vienna, trying to establish himself as a mature musician, away from the influences of his father.

Opera was something he really wanted to write, and he let it be known that he was available, and in the summer he was approached with a libretto.

Full of intrigue, Eastern mystery and thwarted love, this opera is lavishly staged in an opulent setting; the principle singers giving robust and entertaining performances.

Constanze, her maid Blonde, and Pedrillo, a servant, are purchased by Pasha Selim from pirates.

Constanze's fianc, Belmonte, traces them to the Pasha's seaside palace. Pedrillo is Belmonte's former servant, who tells him that the Pasha favours Constanze and a plot is hatched to rescue the captives.

However, it is the glimpses behind the scenes that make this an exceptional experience. Watching the rehearsal, direction and sheer hard work is enlightening and entertaining in a different way.

It is easy to take an opera score, rehearse it and present it, but to have the scrutiny behind the scenes to deal with as well says a lot for the director, Elijah Moshinsky.