I've put all my reviews up lest people get the idea all are 5/5 ratings. The video is just about that for all but not all audio, although none are poor. However the overall rating is more subjective and no doubt not all will agree with me.
I've edited it now with
blue for very good and recommended but
red for absolutely fabulous IMHO.
Anyway, here are all the operatic BDs looked at & listened to so far. Yes there are more to come if you are interested.
John
OPERA REVIEWSCOMPOSER: Bellini Disc Title: I Puritani
Disc catalog: DGG 073 4489 Recording Date: 2007 Program Length: 149 + 22 mins bonus A Metropolitan Opera Production
Video rating : 5/5 Audio type: DTS HD 5.1, PCM Stereo & PCM5.1 No mention of bitrates Audio rating: 5/5
Overall rating: 4.5/5
Summary comment: The plot of this opera is more way out than many and not all the male vocalists stand out but Anna Netrebko is not only beautiful but a superb singer who alone makes this worth having.
Detailed Comment: The plot, in common with some other operas, is unbelievable so it is a big challenge for the artists to overcome. However the two lead singers, Franco Vassallo as Riccardo and Anna Netrebko as Elvira achieve this. The sleeve notes comment that the singing demands make the opera difficult to cast but Netrebco brought the Met production to a standstill with audience applause when she first appeared in the role there, and this BD release demonstrates how she did this. Her singing is absolutely rivetting. Before viewing this I was unfamiliar with the opera but now class this production as one of my favourites. So, highly recommended.COMPOSER: Bizet Disc Title:
CARMEN Disc catalog: Decca 074 3313 Recording Date: 2006 Program Length: 2 hrs 32 mins
Video rating: 4.5/5 Audio type: DTS Master Audio 5.1 24 bit & LPCM 24 bit Stereo Audio rating: 4/5
Overall rating: 4/5 Another review at
http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/movies.php?i...how=userreviewsSummary comment: A very, very good production rather than an outstanding one
Detailed Comment: This is a difficult production to criticise as there is a lot of passion and fine acting and singing from Anna Antonacci as Carmen and Jonas Kaufmann as Don Jose BUT the balance between the vocalists and the orchestra is wrong. The audio quality is fine with the orchestral sound excellent but it dominates the vocalists with their sound recessed and distant. Add in that Ildebrando D'Arcangelo is a less than compelling Escamilo and you can see why the audio judgement was only 4/5 and in some respects that is generous. A pity because this is a fault of the engineers who by this bad audio mixing have depreciated the efforts of some very fine singing. My previous favourite Carmen was also a Covent Garden effort but 15 years earlier and on laserdisc. I put it on just to see if my memory was an illusion but no, Maria Ewing is a sensational Carmen AND the vocal/orchestral mix on this LD production is what it should have been on the latest Bluray. But the video quality is pretty ghastly with washed out colours so no real competition to the 2006 effort. But I have not given the Bluray video a full 5/5 videowise as it is not as good as the others reviewed so far. Most of the scenes are dark and have not favoured picture quality.
So there you are, glorious orchestral sound but the overall audio balance not good. That said it is a great, tuneful and dramatic opera and the only choice on Bluray at the moment. Not a disaster but a bit of a disappointment for me.
[color:#3333FF] COMPOSER: Gluck & Bausch This is a Dance-Opera Disc Title: Orpheus and Eurydice
Disc catalog: BelAir BAC444 Recording Date: 2008 Program Length (Opera only): 104 mins A live Paris Opera/Ballet de l'Opera national de Paris Production
Video rating: 5/5 Audio type: 2.0 PCM, 5.1 DTS HD Master Audio Audio rating: 5/5
Overall rating: 5/5
Summary comment: A unique combination of excellent ballet and Baroque Opera
Detailed Comment: Stage action in many of these early operas is minimal so combining the singing with action in the form of ballet adds to the visual appeal IF that ballet is appropriate to the libretto and singing. Very fortunately the interpretive dance choreographed by Pina Bausch is just that. She first experimented with it in 1975 and this production is a revival of that. The mezzo soprano Maria Riccarda Wesseling has a gorgious voice ideally suited to the role of Orpheus and her role is shadowed by the dancer Yann Bridard.
On first acquaintance this dance-opera interpretation can seem odd and I found it required more than a single viewing to decide if it was personally appealing - and untimately, yes it was. The music is beautifully played and sung under the direction of Thomas Hengelbrock which combined with very effective costuming and lighting comes across superbly in the Bluray format. The audio quality is appropriately first class.
Highly recommended.COMPOSER: Gounod Disc Title: Romeo et Juliette
Disc catalog: DGG 073 4521 Recording Date: 2008 Program Length: 162 + 16 mins bonus
Video rating : 5/5 Audio type: DTS HD Master Audio 5.0 & PCM Stereo No mention of bitrates Audio rating: 5/5
Overall rating: 5/5
Summary comment: An excellent recording from all points of view - technically, artistic singing and acting, costumes ....
Detailed Comment: One of the best tributes which can be given to this opera performance is to be able to find it rivetting despite being fully familiar with the story. Nino Machaidze singing Juliette is a real find. Not only beautiful to look at, she has a superb and powerful voice and acts the part to perfection. Rolando Villazon partners her as Romeo and puts his heart and soul into the role. The rest of the cast are also very strong to make Gounod's Romeo and Juliette extremely musically satisfying. The fight scenes are brilliantly choreographed and very dramatic. The same set is cleverly used throughout and the costumes are brilliant. No apologies for such a rave review as this production is truly exceptional. If you love opera, this is a MUST for your collection.COMPOSER: HANDEL Disc Title: Acis and Galatea
Disc catalog: Opus Arte OA BD7056 D Recording Date: 2009 Live from the Royal Opera House Program Length: 99 mins + 10 mins extras
Video rating: 5/5 Audio type: LPCM 2.0 & dts-HD Master Auidio 5.1 No mention of HD audio or bitrates Audio rating: 5/5
Overall rating: 5/5
Summary comment: Excellent singing and staging with interesting ballet routines woven in accompanied by the first class Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment conductor Christopher Hogwood
Detailed Comment: I have viewed this piece twice and was somewhat perplexed first time. I should have done some reading of the essay in the accompanying booklet first to understand better what was involved in this rather unique composition. It is unique in that it was not originally perceived as an opera and Handel left no staging instructions. So this has left the opportunity for imaginative interpretation, something of which the director and choreographer Wayne McGregor took full advantage. He interwove the singing and (minimal) acting with a variety of ballet sequences which might appear odd at first viewing. He explains his philosophy in a very interesting 9 minute extra and this should be viewed first to get full appreciation of the production. There is a brief illustrated synopsis on the disc but, to me, it does not help very much and a small paragraph in the booklet would have been much better to explain the very simple story of a couple of lovers Acis and Galate and shadowed by a jealous Polphemus who finally kills Acis.
The music is vintage, appealing, Handel extremely well played by Hogwood and his orchestra and beautifully sung by a cast of 50 led by the lovely Danielle de Nice and Charles Workman. I remain puzzled as to why Galatea had to have a rope like blonde wig over her lovely auburn hair but that distraction was soon overlooked as the music wove its magic. Initially the ballet dancing made little sense but after viewing the work a second time and hearing from McGregor his philosophy behind the choreography, it became more evident how much it was an important part of the production, adding significantly to viewing of the work compared to merely listening to the audio. The dancing was sensuous and excellent.
So, this production is a little gem. If you like Handel's music and are prepared to see something quite different, then you should enjoy this disc as much as I did.
COMPOSER: HANDEL Disc Title:
Admeto Disc catalog: Opus Arte OA 101 258 Recording Date: 2006 Live from the Handel-Festspiele at the Opernhaus Halle Program Length: 196 mins with no extras besides a 4 minute Synopsis which covers the complex plot confusingly quickly.
Video rating : 5/5 Audio rating: 4/5 Audio type: PCM 2.0 & dts-HD Master Audio 7.1 No mention of HD audio or bitrates
Overall rating: 3.5/5
Summary comment: Excellent singing from most but distracting costumes and staging..
Detailed Comment: The accompanying booklet is much better than most and gives a good account of the plot and attempts at explaining the philosophy behind the staging adopted by countertenor/director Axel Kohler. The music is among the best composed by Handel and the artists involved in this product generally handle their roles well although I was less impressed with Melanie Hirsch as her voice was often overshadowed by others.
As with many Baroque operas, the plot is based on ancient myth and is not always easy to follow. So why add in the distractions of inappropriate costumes such as Hercules dressed in a shiny plastic black suit and props like a modern chromed hospital bed, a bright red delivery van and an aluminium suitcase? I can accept some modern settings of operas but it is just so far out at times in Admeto it destroys enjoyment and would seem totally unnecessary.
The cover blub proclaims “Axel Kohler, the internationally renowned countertenor - now also famed for his work as a director - has brought Admeto into the modern era in timeless style by the skilful application of imaginative theatrical digressions. Kohler`s production at the Halle Opernhaus revisits a work that encompasses comedy, tragedy and almost grotesqueness, couching it in the convincing metaphor of a modern hospital”.
Sorry but my reaction has centred mainly on the grotesque side of what is presented and find the metaphor of the modern hospital utterly unconvincing. Come on, how is resurrection from Hades by mythical characters convincing when the set revolves around a modern hospital bed? The plot is complex enough in Handel operas with women often playing men`s parts in mythical stories which are even more unbelievable than most, and they certainly do not increase my enjoyment by “moderisation”. Quite the contrary, I find it offputting.
These operas are long and I find need approaching an Act at a time, but I found this presentation particularly hard to enjoy. This is a pity because the artistry and music are very, very good. That music is very appropriately and skilfully handled by the Handel Festival Orchestra on historical instruments, conducted by Howard Arman.
But I really cannot generate any enthusiasm to recommend this disc.
COMPOSER: HANDEL Disc Title: Giulio Cesare
Disc catalog: Opus Arte OA BD7024D Recording Date: 2005 Live from Glyndebourne Program Length: Opera 227 mins + extras 78 mins on two discs
Video rating: 5/5 Audio type: PCM 2.0 & PCM 5.0 No mention of HD audio or bitrates Audio rating: 5/5
Overall rating: 5/5
Summary comment: A modern production with some odd settings but superb singing and orchestration.
Detailed Comment: This is a very long opera but very worth the viewing effort. The cast is brilliant, particularly the lovely Danielle De Niese, and the production directed by David Mcvicar is quite unique. There is clever comedy, dance and drama to the excellent music on original instruments from the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment conducted by William Christie.
The BD set includes two extra documentaries, one featuring Danielle De Niese and the other detailing the enthusiasm of the cast and director for this Handel masterpiece. These are worthwhile viewing, preferrably before commencing the opera itself.
The costuming is generally modern and somewhat quirky but the artistry is so good it is not a distraction. However some aspects such as props of pistol sand rifles and background pictures of warships and blimps did seem unecessary and unecessarily gimmicky.
Overall it is Handel at his best, interpreted by an inspired cast of superb singers and actors. This set is a must for serious opera lovers.COMPOSER: HANDEL Disc Title: Orlando
Disc catalog: Arthaus 101 310 Recording Date: 2007 Live from the Zurich Opera House Program Length: 155 mins
Video rating: 5/5 Audio type: PCM 2.0 & DTS HD Master Audio 7.1 No mention of HD audio or bitrates Audio rating: 4.5/5
Overall rating: 5/5
Summary comment: A modern production with excellent singing.
Detailed Comment: Staging Handel operas is obviously quite a challenge as they generally have far less action and drama on stage than many later compositions. Also the librettos were composed for a much smaller and more elite audience of over 250 years ago. So how to make them palatable for today`s opera lovers?
This production of Orlando takes the approach of modernising it both in dress and context and I guess it works as well as any attempt to use a period setting, particularly if the singing is as good as in the case here.
Orlando is full of inconguencies. The cast of 5 is supposed to consist of 3 men and 2 women but has been composed for 4 women and one man. And that is the start of the challenges. The plot could be reduced to absurdity with O loving A, but A loving M who has a roving eye for D resulting in O becoming insanely jealous ending up in an insane asylum. The imagination is challenged even further in this production with our brave male hero a very slender woman in kaki.
However Handel`s music is so captivating (remember he is responsible for “The Messiah”), the singing so good and so well balanced with the fine orchestral playing that is is not too hard to become immersed in this Orlando. But you might need to be in a receptive mood and be prepared for unusual, rather bleak settings and women singing male roles. When I first looked at this opera I was not impressed but that changed last night. The only negative is with the audio which comes through many db higher than most and verges on an overload situation. No, it is not distorted, and the orchestral playing is luscious, but some of the more forceful soprano notes sound a little more forceful than is usual.
So, if you love Handel`s music, highly recommended.COMPOSER: HANDEL Disc Title: SEMELE
Disc catalog: Decca 074 3326 Recording Date: 2007 Live from the Zurich Opera House Program Length: 154 mins
Video rating: 5/5 Audio type: LPCM 24 bit stereo & DTS HD Master Audio 24 bit Audio rating: 5/5
Overall rating: 5/5
Summary comment: Excellent singing but unusual settings.
Detailed Comment: There is conjecture about this being an oratorio rather than an opera as it is based on an English opera libretto by Congreve. One train of thought suggests that, with opera waning in popularity, the oratorio form was needed for success to regain prosperity for the composer.
That said the Zurich performance is most definitely in operatic form but the result is strange at times with the chorus dressed up in dinner suits and evening gowns.
The plot uses mythology to illustrate that greed ultimately destroys the individual, in this case Semele sung by Cecilia Bartoli, who demanded immortality from Jupiter who had whisked her off to a specially built palace.
Bartoli is in fine singing voice and often outshines others in the cast. The oratorio style is often evident in the singing but this is not a somber work as there is comedy mixed with some bawdiness with Bartoli spending a lot of the time romping around in a nightdress.. So overall it is quite a different work which receives a unique presentation.
First class audio and video.
Regarded as one of Handel's masterpieces this production deserves a place in your collection. COMPOSER: HANDEL Disc Title: Tamerlano
Disc catalog: Opus Arte OA BD7022 D Recording Date: 2008 Live from Teatro Real Madrid Program Length: 242 mins including extras of 24 mins on two discs
Video rating: 5/5 Audio type: PCM 2.0 & PCM 5.0 No mention of HD audio or bitrates Audio rating: 5/5
Overall rating: 5/5
Summary comment: Another superb production from Opus Arte.
Detailed Comment: This is another opera where viewing the extra feature discussion with the conductor Paul McCreesh is very helpful preparation to better appreciate this very long opera so should be viewed first. He explains some fundamental differences between Baroque Opera and the later genre and this makes appreciation of this Handel work so much better.
Tamerlano is spread over 2 BD discs but is like Rameau's Zoroastre in that it is a work I'm attracted to come back to again and again. As with most Baroque operas it is a very long winded story caused basically by lengthy recitatives and arias with considerable repetition in its 3+ hours. But the Handel's music and its singing is so good in this production one can just relax and wallow in the emotion it generates so its length becomes an asset rather than a liability.
The voices of the female singers are not powerful but have a lovely timbre and are backed up by Placido Domingo who has never tackled baroque opera before but does so here brilliantly. The final duel with Monica Bacelli and Sara Mingardo is beautifully done and very touching. Their voices blend superbly and the recording generally is very well balanced..
And one should not ignore the musical contribution from the Orchestra of the Teatro Real (Madrid Symphony Orchestra) so ably and intelligently conducted by Paul McCreesh. Somehow he has managed to extract a very appropriate Baroque sound from these players using standard instruments.
The staging is relatively stark but very effective with the artists in appropriate costumes highlighted by clever lighting and stage effects.
But I'll level the same criticism at this presentation as I did with Zorostrate. It is not acceptable to omit a written synopsis of the plot and replace it with a few minutes of display among the extras. These plots are rather involved, not so much as to be incomprehensible, but complex enough to need written description, particularly for anyone like myself coming to this for the first time. So I hunted up a description on the net but that should not really be necessary.
Anyone who loves opera should be able to enjoy Baroque operas such as this, but it does help to understand that it is the recitative that guides the story rather than the aria as in Verdi etc works. Yes it does seem to carry on and on in some of these recitatives and arias but this is forgivable when the singing and the music is as good as it is here. It is a sound idea to follow Paul McCreech's suggestion of seeing an Act at a time and must admit I would find it difficult to appreciate it as much if I had to sit through the complete opera in the one session. But that is the beauty of being able to view it in the home at leisure.
This production is a gem and deserves to be on the shelf of all opera lovers. Unreservedly recommended.COMPOSER: MASSENET Disc Title: MANON
Disc catalog: DGG 073 4477 Recording Date: 2007 Program Length: 158 + 19 mins bonus A modern Staatskapelle Berlin Opera Production
Video rating: 5/5 Audio type: DTS HD 5.1, PCM Stereo & PCM5.1 No mention of bitrates Audio rating: 5/5
Overall rating: 5/5
Summary comment: Another "must have" BD opera production with great singing, acting music and production.
Author: Tassie Devil Date: August 12 2009
Detailed Comment: I have had a laserdisc copy of this opera on the shelves for many years but never managed to get past the first act so this BD was my first exposure to the complete opera.
A movie with a relatively thin story line succeeds because of the artistic ability of the actors just as one with a strong story line can fail because of poor acting. A successful operatic production requires just so much more with great acting, great singing, great music and great staging because most have rather thin story lines. Well this production of Manon has it all and I did not find the modern setting used by Staatskapelle at all inappropriate. The balance between voices and orchestra is fine as is the audio and video generally.
Now I must confess to a love affair with Anna Netrebco as her beautiful & powerful voice combined with stunning good looks have me completely captivated so be aware of this prejudice. But combine her talents with those of Rolando Villazon with the music of Massenet and you have a winner here. Their singing and acting brought tears to my eyes. What more can be said? Unreservedly recommended.COMMENT FROM KAL: True about the singing but the production and stage direction of this one gets in my way and, imho, in the way of the principals. Too cute. Too calculated. I watched this twice but future playings will be audio only.
COMPOSER: Massenet Disc Title:
Thais Disc catalog: Arthaus 101 386 Recording Date: 2008 Program Length (Opera only - no Extras): 139 mins A live Reatro Regio Torino Production
Video rating : 5/5 Audio type: PCM Stereo, DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 Audio rating: 5/5
Overall rating: 3.5/5
Summary comment: Strange sets (unexplained anywhere), lovely music, not always sung appealingly but overall ok.
Detailed Comment: Stefano Poda who was responsible for the stage directing, choreography, sets, costumes and lighting, must have had inspiration for this production, but just what this was, was very obtuse at times. I guess it is like modern art which can appear a jumble of incomprehensible colours unless you are prepared to place your own interpretation on it. However I'm not applauding this approach to opera as it can be most distracting and hardly assists the composer to convey the emotions he was trying to project via the voices and instruments. Costuming, scenery etc should compliment the music, not be a distraction from it. Bodies suspended from above, near nude males, mannequin arms protruding from the wall, ..... all might have significance but exactly what that was eluded me. And the dresses worn by the prostitutes and later by the nuns seemed be reversed with the prostitutes well covered in black and the nuns wearing attractive white garb!
That said this production is not a total disaster as some of the sets, lighting and ballet are most effective. The singing is dominated by the excellent voice of Lado Ataneli in the lead role of the monk who is intent on converting the courtesian Thias from her wicked ways. I was most unimpressed with the warbling voice of Alessandro Liberatore, despite high praise of him from Pavorotti, but fortunately he only has a minor role early in the opera. The other lead singer, Barbara Frittoli as Thias, had a difficult challenge and although she handled it capably, her voice did not appeal to me. Please take that as a personal subjective judgement as you might like it.
This opera has some beautiful music, much of it particularly well sung, so, if you can avoid being perplexed by some of the staging and sets (very difficult to do at times) then it could be a worthy addition to your collection. The video and audio quality are first class. And for once there is a comprehensive Synopsis in the booklet, but absolutely no discussion either in the booklet or in any extra to explain exactly what Stefano Poda was aiming at. So, like the curate's egg, this is a mixed bag.
COMPOSER: MOZART Disc Title: Die Zauberflote
Disc catalog: BBC Opus Arte OA BD7002 Recording Date: 2003 Program Length: 3hrs 2 mins
Video rating: 5/5 Audio type: PCM 2.0 & PCM 5.1 No mention of HD audio or bitrates Audio rating: 5/5
Overall rating: 5/5
Summary comment: Superb production. A must for opera lovers.
Detailed Comment: This is a complex and brilliant composition with heaps of guff written about the Freemasons implications. Anyone unfamiliar with all this would gain more appreciation of the opera by some reading beforehand. That said this production is a masterpiece with Diana Damrau sailing with ease through one of opera's most difficult arias in her Queen of the Night role. The comical roles of Papageno and Papagena sung by Simon Keenlyside and Ailish Tynan are beutifully done and add relief to the more serious side of this opera. The cast is well balanced, superbly recorded and this is a Bluray production not to be missed.
COMPOSER: MOZART Disc Title:
DON GIOVANNI Disc catalog: Harmonia Mundi HMD 9809013 Recording Date: 2006 Program Length: 3hrs 46 mins
Video rating: 5/5 Audio type: DTS HD Master audio Stereo & surround 48 khz 24 bit Audio rating: 5/5
Overall rating: 4/5
Summary comment: Very competent and enjoyable production only spoiled a little by the Commendatore near the end,
Detailed Comment: The female cast here is very strong with a powerful performance by Malin Brystrom as Donna Anna and a delightful performance of Zerlina by Sunhae Im. To me the male singers were let down by Allessandro Guerzoni in the role of Commendatore whose voice lacked the the commanding authority needed in the role. After a hair raising scream by Malin Brystrom in the last act, the entrance of Alessandro down the aisle of the audience towards Don Giovanni was an anti climax and waving the red curtain to simulate Giovanni's descent into hell was unconvincing. The use of red strobe lighting was an obvious omission and made this last scene less dramatic than it should have been. Apart from that this production is most enjoyable with great acting and singing accompanied by glorious orchestral accompliment. So, recommended but with the above caveat.
COMPOSER: MOZART Disc Title:
Die Entfuhrung Aus Dem Serail Disc catalog: Opus Arte OA BD7017 D Recording Date: 2008 Program Length: 3hrs 34 mins
Video rating: 5/5 Audio type:DD & DTS True HD 2.0 & 5.1 No mention of bitrates Audio rating: 4/5 (Not for technical excellence but for recording - see below)
Overall rating: 4/5
Summary comment: A VERY mixed bag. Excellent singing, but mixed recording and odd scenery & costuming choices
Detailed Comment: This is a difficult production to review. First up the positives - Excellent singing and acting, especially Kurt Rydl singing the role of Osmin and a very good looking Mojca Erdmann as Blonde. Great orchestral playing with some very tuneful items - it IS an attractive opera. BUT this is a compilation of 3 performances and the echo of singing and dialog in parts is puzzling and most distracting often putting the balance between soloists and orchestra completely out of whack. It is almost as if performed to an emty theatre but this is not the case. And the costuming is weird with Osmin and the chorus in old style Turkish garb yet Bassa has mostly modern rather than turkish harem costuming, Blonde wears a mini skirt and the other Westerners appear in modern dress. More confusion in the sets with an shiny aluminium ladder appearing + a lovely modern leather reclining sofa set!!! And the staging in the final act has me baffled. The role of the guard in T shirt and jeans is incongruous as is the symbolism of the collapsing scenery, possibly signifying how the Bassa has an 180 turn around in attitude?
An effort has been made to interpret this opera differently as is described in the interesting booklet which comes with the disc. There is discussion about how the affections of Konstanze could be in conflict, this putting a more serious aspect to the opera which in some productions can degenerate into farce.
So I'm really not sure whether or not to recommend this disc as it is such a mixed bag. It has a lot going for it and on the basis of the music is very successful but the staging and costuming + the variable mic capture of some solo singing and dialog can be distracting. No doubt more Bluray releases of this popular opera will be forthcoming and it will be interesting to see how they compare. So recommended but with some caveats.
COMPOSER: MOZART Disc Title: La Finta Giardiniera
Disc catalog: TDK DVBD-OPFINT Recording Date: 2006 Program Length: 187 mins Zurich Opera House
Video rating: 5/5 Audio type: PCM Stereo, DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 Audio rating: 5/5
Overall rating: 5/5
Summary comment: Delightful production of an early Mozart gem
Detailed Comment: While not in the same class as the later Mozart masterpieces this is nevertheless a most enjoyable opera. Apart from the less forceful voice of Liliana Nikiteanu, the singing is very good by the rest of the cast accompanied by the Zurich Opera Orchestra playing historical instruments and conducted by Harnoncourt. In common with many operas the storyline is not very deep or involved but is performed here with gusto and affection. The costuming is attractively modern and the set very plain but this does not detract from appreciating the performance. The most amazing attribute to the work is that Mozart was only 18 when it was composed. Yet it is more sophisticated to me than many other operas and deserves better recognition that it is usually accorded.
Recommended.COMPOSER: MOZART Disc Title: The Marriage of Figaro
Disc catalog: Opus Arte OA BD 7033D Recording Date: 2006 Program Length: 202 mins on 2 discs Royal Opera House live production
Video rating: 5/5 Audio type: PCM 2.0, PCM 5.0 Audio rating: 5/5
Overall rating: 5/5
Summary comment: Superb traditional production of this Mozart masterpiece
Author: Tassie Devil Date: April 24 2010
Detailed Comment: Nearly all operas have very silly stories but like movies, they can get away with it if acting etc is first class. Well, IMHO The Royal Opera House production of Mozart's "Marriage of Figaro" on Bluray has it all:
* excellent traditional & appropriate costuming and sets
* a strong cast of singers with not a weak one among them
* first class acting as well as singing
* well lit and photographed -> BD quality up to the highest standards
* beautiful orchestral playing
* audio up to the best standards available
OK, I'm entranced. To me the opera could not be better performed or recorded. It knocks the other "modernised" version reviewed below, out of the ring. When you experience the opera performed so well with traditional costuming and sets one is at a loss to understand the mentality of producers and directors who want to meddle with what is already a successful formula.
Yes the whole plot is a farce, but it is great music and done with so much aplomb and comedy, it is utterly engrossing. If you like Mozart and his opera, this is a MUST for your collection.COMPOSER: MOZART Disc Title:
The Marriage of Figaro Disc catalog: DGG 0734492 Recording Date: 2006 Program Length: 202 mins
Video rating: 5/5 Audio type: DTS-HD 5.1, PCM stereo, PCM 5.1 No mention of HD audio or bitrates Audio rating: 5/5
Overall rating: 4.5/5
Summary comment: A quirky production with modern costuming which will not appeal to all. But the singing is excellent as is the recording.
Detailed Comment: This production is a bit strange with Cherubino's Doppelgänger, the actor, juggler, and acrobat Uli Kirsch, costumed just like the singer but with Cupid's wings (credited as Cherub) floating around the set pushing at the singers as if they were mannequins. The dress is modern in typical Staatsopernchor fashion with staging by Claus Guth and direction by Brian Large moving the opera to be more serious than comic. It is easy to understand the scandal the work caused when first performed as lowly servants playing tricks on the upper class, and succeeding in them, was not very socially acceptable at the time.
But, distracting as some of the “way out” staging could be, I found the singing to be so uniformly good that I could thoroughly enjoy this production. The beautiful and extremely talented singer and actress Anna Netrebco was in fine form as were Ildebrando D`arcangelo, Dorothea Roschmann and the rest of the cast. They did Mozart`s lovely music proud with the voices and orchestra well balanced and well recorded in the latest Bluray format.
It is billed as a “new, exciting original production” but I can understand why not everyone will like it. Traditionally it is performed with sumptuous period costuming with emphasis on the comic side but this Salzburg effort turns all that on its head. So, approach this recording with caution and an open mind. You might or might not end up enjoying the experience. I did, but you might not.
I notice that this Bluray is no longer available on Amazon although copies are still available from other sources. Whether or not this makes it a “collectors item” depends upon your ability to look past its quirkiness.
There is another very critical review at
http://ionarts.blogspot.com/2007/08/opera-...arriage-of.htmlCOMPOSER: PROKOFIEV Disc Title:
The Love for Three Oranges Disc catalog: Opus Arte OA BD7016 D Recording Date: 2005 Program Length: 144 mins
Video rating: 4.5/5 Audio type: PCM 2.0 & PCM 5.1 No mention of bitrates Audio rating: 3.5/5
Overall rating: 3.5/5
Summary comment: A very odd opera both plot wise and musically with elaborate staging
Detailed Comment: This is not a generally appealing opera. It is not very tuneful apart from the well known march and there are no arias as such although it is not lacking in beautiful moments - the only problem for me is they were few and far between. The nutty fairy tale storyline also made it even more “far out” than many operas although this meant there was no need for pretence about it being realistic. It is billed as being a comedy and does have some amusing moments but maybe not as many as one could expect from the plot.
We looked at it last night with friends but the women were not very impressed, I was lukewarm but my music loving mate loved it. So there you go, it might be your cup of tea.
The oddball: Story, music and setting.
The positive: Clever production, staging and very colourful appealing costumes (except for the neurotic Prince who ran around in his pajamas the whole time).
The negative: Overall unappealing music, the lighting not always good making some characters harder to distinguish but the worst aspect was the uneven capture of the voices, often good but also too often weak making a bad balance with the orchestra.
Bottom line is it IS very different so from that point of view is refreshing. We looked at a documentary on Prokofiev first and this did add to appreciation BUT be warned it is not an easy work to appreciate. That said it IS different and there are unlikely to be more Bluray releases of it so it could have a quirky place in your collection. It will stay here but is unlikely to be visited very often.
COMPOSERS: PUCCINI and RACHMANINOV Disc Title: Gianni Schicchi and The Miserly Knight
Disc catalog: Opus Arte OA BD7010D Recording Date: 2004 Program Length: 162 mins Glyndebourne
Video rating: 5/5 Audio type: PCM 5.1, PCM 2.0 Audio rating: 5/5
Overall rating: 5/5
Summary comment: An excellent production of two operas
Detailed Comment: This disc is a surprise Glyndebourne package. First surprise is the delightful comic headline opera “Gianni Schicchi” and the second is a second Rachmaninov opera “The Miserly Knight”, both operas only being around an hour long.
I am unfamiliar with either so it was a pleasant acquaintance with a clever plot in the Puccini opera highlighting human greed and clever manipulation of fortuitous events. The Russian opera, with an all male cast of fine singers had some particularly good singing by Albert Schagidullin in the role of the miserly Duke.
Video and audio quality was up to the top Blu Ray standards with a good balance of voices and orchestra. Recommended COMPOSER: PUCCINI Disc Title:
Tosca Disc catalog: TDK DVBD-OPTOV Recording Date: 2006 Program Length: 119 mins Arena di Verona
Video rating: 5/5 Audio type: PCM Stereo, DTS-HD Audio rating: 4/5
Overall rating: 3.5/5
Summary comment: Good but not outstanding production with “dead” audio
Detailed Comment: The Arena di Verona is a spectacular venue seating an audience of 15,000 but its open air situation makes any musical ambience near impossible. The orchestra is well recorded but does sound flat because of this and the singers come through less intimately. The artistry is ok with Florenza Cedolins capturing a couple of nice moments in her role as Tosca but this traditional production is generally less than riveting. I feel there are better renditions of this opera to come on Bluray so this version cannot be enthusiastically recommended.
COMPOSER: PUCCINI Disc Title:
La Boheme Disc catalog: Opus Arte OA BD7007 D Recording Date: 2006 Program Length: 148 mins (includes some extra features) Teatro Real de Madrid
Video rating: 4.5/5 Audio type: PCM 2.0 & 5.0 no bitrate quoted Audio rating: 5/5
Overall rating: 4.5/5
Summary comment: Excellent artistry, traditional costuming and production but dull lighting in some scenes
Detailed Comment: When I first attempted to view this opera I gave up because the audio sounded shrill but I later discovered that the fault was in my A/V setup so am pleased to report it is A1 on this disc. Just as well because the singing and acting by the principals is uniformly good as is the orchestra. Inva Mula extracts great pathos in her role as Mimi and is ably supported by the lovely Laura Giordano as Musetta, Aquiles Machado as Rodolfo and Fabio Maria Capitanucci as Marcello. Inva looked quite exhaused when taking curtain calls so was either drained by the performance or was ill. Either way it did not affect her excellent singing and acting. About the only criticism I can level at this production is the poor lighting in a couple of scenes. Admittedly the context was one of a cold and dim room but it was a little overdone with too much blue lighting.
Overall, recommended.
COMPOSER: PUCCINI Disc Title:
La Boheme NOTE THIS IS A REGOIONALLY CODED FILM IN 2.35:1 format
Disc catalog: KULTUR BD4601 Recording Date: 2008 Program Length: 109mins + 71 mins extra features) Orchestra not named
Video rating: 4/5 Audio type: Dolby 2.0 & 5.1[/i] Audio rating: 3/5
Overall rating: 3/5
Summary comment: Excellent artistry, traditional costuming and production, dull lighting in some scenes and lacking the atmosphere of a live theatre production
Detailed Comment: I nearly gave up on this film. The opening scenes were dull and lacked Bluray quality + the audio was particulaly diasappointing and appears to not be the new HD format. But I came back to it again as I'm a fan of Netrebco and Villazon and was rewarded with some glorious and moving artistry and found the rest of it was in the usual high standard BD video quality. The costuming and sets were traditional but overall the film lacks the atmosphere of a live production. I see some are put off by the miming but that did not bother me as the subtitles distracted close attention to it. The other artists and chorus are fine although there is no full cast listing and the conductor and orchestra remain a mystery. But there are quite a few negatives: the 2.35:1 film format; the questionable sound quality already referred to (although to be honest my ears adjusted so it was not as big a drawback as on first encounter); odd distracting B&W sequences; the dull lighting of Act 1. However the artistry is first rate so this disc is a bit of a curates egg with good and bad features. Note it is region coded, in my case A.
Overall, recommended but with caution.
COMPOSER: Puccini Disc Title:
La Rondine Disc catalog: Arthaus Recording Date: 2008 Program Length: 106 mins A live Teatro Fenice Di Venezia Production
Video rating: 5/5 Audio type: PCM Stereo, DTS HD Master Audio 7.1 Audio rating: 5/5
Overall rating: 3.5/5
Summary comment: Not one of Puccini's best compositions, but capably and colourfully produced.
Detailed Comment: I notice many others who have reviewed this production are critical of the singing but that is a little unfair as the music they had to perform did not give much opportunity for great emotional intensity. In that context I feel the cast did quite a good job and managed to bring some drama to the finale.
My initial reaction to this opera was to regard it as trite with more operetta traits than operatic ones and taking a real imagination stretch to regard it as a lyric comedy. First up I condemned it as not very good but, on reacquaintance and reflection have reconsidered and now classify it as an interesting, although not great addition to the collection.
The music certainly has a Puccini ring to it but you are unlikely to find any arias from it in many other operatic selections. That is not to imply it is completely lacking appeal, or the production is completely without merit, but it is definitely not up to the standard of his better known works.
Projecting it into more modern times works well, although some of the props were a little over done for me. But the costuming was very colourful with appropriate lighting, all accompanied very nicely by the Orchestra and chorus of the Teatro La Fenice. As usual the audio and video quality is superb and did make the experience more satisfying.
However I cannot really recommend this production unless you are a particular fan of Puccini.
COMPOSER: Purcell Disc Title:
Dido and Aeneas Disc catalog: OpusArte Recording Date: 2009 Program Length: 72 mins A live Royal Opera House Production
Video rating: 5/5 Audio type: PCM 2.0, PCM 5.1 Audio rating: 5/5
Overall rating: 4.5/5
Summary comment: A short classic opera with minimal props but very good singing.
Detailed Comment: Fortunately this production avoided any temptation to "modernise" the opera, something which some feel is necessary to bring productions into the 21st century. The costumes are timeless so one can concentrate on the singing, which is unifirmly excellent. Staging is minimal and in no way distracts from the musical message. My only reservations concern the ballet which, although the movements are appropriate to the music, comes across more as a demonstration of gymnastics than an artistic addition to the production. More appropriate costuming would have minimised this perception. This is one of the shortest Bluray operas in my collection at little over an hour, but is a quality production so worth the cost.
The video on this Bluray is absolutely stunning as is the audio.
Recommended
COMPOSER: RAMEAU Disc Title: Zoroastre
Disc catalog: Opus Arte OA BD7014D Recording Date: 2005 Live from The Drottningham Theatre Program Length: Opera 162 mins + extras 65 mins
Video rating: 5/5 Audio type: PCM 2.0 & PCM 5.0 No mention of HD audio or bitrates Audio rating: 5/5
Overall rating: 5/5
Summary comment: One of the earliest operas ever written given a brilliant stage production plus superb singing and orchestration.
Detailed Comment: Basically the story of the opera centres around the tussle between good and evil, the good being personified in Zoroastre with his love for Amelite and the evil in the sorceror Abramante allied to Erinice, the sister of Amelite who also desires Zorostrate but is vengeful because of rejection.
Rameau was 66 when he composed this piece and it reflects his maturity with its sensuous and cleverly designed music. There are layers of interpretation which are easy to miss but the excellent one hour documentary gives a great introduction and should be viewed first, something I failed to do and so became somewhat perplexed about what was going on. Unfortunately the accompanying booklet gives no written synopsis, an unfortunate omission as the 4 minute verbal description is next to useless. I extracted one from the net and it helped to explain what was going on.
The singing is uniformly excellent with appropriate costuming and excellent lighting to make the production very attractive.
Rameau was a contemporary of Bach and Handel so if you like their music then this is a must for your collection and one which I will return to again. I'm purchasing the CD set featuring William Christie, Les Arts Florissants, et al. and this will add to further enjoyment of this delightful work.
Unreservably recommended.COMPOSER: ROSSINI Disc Title:
BARBER OF SEVILLE Disc catalog: Decca 074 3299 Recording Date: 2005 Opera Length: 2hrs 47 mins + 74 mins bonus
Video rating: 5/5 Audio type: LPCM 24 bit stereo & DTS HD Master Audio 5.0 24 bit surround Audio rating: 5/5
Overall rating: 4.5/5 Another review at
http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/movies.php?i...how=userreviewsSummary comment: Excellent singing, imaginative sets with production slightly marred by hard to read white subtitles on near white background
Detailed Comment: This is an impressive Spanish production with a strong singing cast and sumptuous orchestral playing. Although the sets are innovative they are highly lit and very white which makes the subtitles a little harder to read - not impossible, just a little more difficult. Yellow would have been a far better colour choice.
This is a fun opera apart from some dead moments in act one. I am unfamiliar with the singers but Maria Bayo is excellent as Rosina, despite being somewhat older than that operatic character (Bluray certainly shows up detail!). Typical Rossini with great choruses, duets etc. Recommended.
COMPOSER: ROSSINI Disc Title:
La Gazzetta Disc catalog: Opus Arte OA BD7034D Recording Date: 2005 Opera Length: 2hrs 28 mins + 8 mins extras Recorded at the Gran Theatre del Liceau, Barcelona
Video rating: 5/5 Audio type: LPCM 2.0 & PCM 5.1 Audio rating: 5/5
Overall rating: 4.5/5
Summary comment: Excellent singing, colourful costuming in this light hearted buffo opera
Detailed Comment: The music is typical Rossini, meaning light and tuneful, guaranteed to have your feet tapping with many good duets, trios etc. The performers obviously enjoyed themselves acting and singing in this fluffy light opera. The story is not very intellectually taxing and this is an opera to relax with and enjoy its light heartedness and silliness. Rossini was suprisingly ahead of his time with his main plot of advertising and even more so with procuring a bride as the central focus. Last night was my second attempt at viewing and it was put aside for some time as the trite storyline was an initial turnoff. So you have to be in the right mood to be non critical and go with the flow. But that is not to say it is faultless - I could do without a couple of the rather boring recitatives. So it is no masterpiece but worth adding to the collection
COMPOSER: ROSSINI Disc Title:
La CENERENTOLA Disc catalog: Opus Arte OA BD7008D Recording Date: 2005 Opera Length: 3hrs 7 mins
Video rating: 5/5 Audio type: 24 BIT PCM & 5.0 & PCM 2.0 Audio rating: 5/5
Overall rating: 4.5/5
Summary comment: This is another Rossini fun opera, IMO better than The Barber. Excellent singing by most, imaginative sets & easy to read white subtitles with fine black borders
Detailed Comment: This Glybourne production is highly enjoyable with the role of Don Magnifico sung by Luciano Di Pasquale an outstanding singing and comic success followed closely by the excellent performances of the two "Ugly" step sisters who are anything but ugly. The title role of Cinderella sung by the very beautiful RuxandraDonose was a bit of a disappointment to me. Perhaps her voice was deliberately kept low key as she was often outshone by the sisters although she did come out more strongly in the finale. Those with good surround sound systems will appreciate the dramatic storm scene in the last act and overall I have no quarrel with the audio quality. Rossini at his best and a great starter opera for those interested in coming to terms with the genre. Highly recommended.
COMPOSER: Richard Strauss Disc Title:
Der Rosenkavalier Disc catalog: Euroarts 20-56914 Recording Date: 2007 Recorded on tour in Japan Program Length: 212 mins - no bonuses
Video rating: 5/5 Audio type: PCM 5.1 & PCM Stereo (no mention of bit rating) Audio rating: 4.5/5
Overall rating: 4/5
Summary comment: A very very good production without being great
NOTE: Quite a few people disagree with this so make your own judgement!Detailed Comment: This opera differs from earlier compositions by Verdi. Puccini etc in that, like Wagnerian works, the music flows without being truncated by spectacular arias. The success of the musical flow depends very much on the artistry and that is very very good in this production without reaching the heights of some others. Anne Schwanewilms performed nicely in the very long first act but was not as convincing to me as others in that role. However Kurt Rydl gave an outstanding performance acting and singing the Baron, injecting great humour into this Strauss work. The other female roles were more successfully filled by Anke Vondung and Maki Mori with some beautiful duets and trios. The orchestra came through strongly, a little too much so relative to the singers making their efforts less impressive. In common with most of the Dresden Staatsopernchor productions the settings have been modernised and this does not seriously detract from the atmosphere although I did miss the more sumptuous costumes usually associated with this work. Having a woman play the role of a man is always challenging to the imagination but this is overcome, to some extent, in this opera when such beautiful music results. However it is not a work that is likely to be appreciated by those first dipping their toes into opera. The waltz is well known but otherwise the music would be unfamiliar and it is only past the long first act that the action and music become more appealing. In summary, a very enjoyable production I would not class this among the greats so recommended with caution.
COMPOSER: Johann StraussII Disc Title:
Die Fledermaus Disc catalog: BBC Opus Arte OA BD 7004 D Recording Date: 2003 Glyndebourne Program Length: 198 mins including bonuses
Video rating: 5/5 Audio type: PCM 5.0 & PCM Stereo 24 Bit Audio rating: 5/5
Overall rating: 4/5
Summary comment: Very tuneful fluffy piece - a cross between Opera & Operetta, lots of dialog and more ridiculous comedy plot than most
Detailed Comment: More catchy tunes in it than most operas but more dialog and less singing than most, this production somehow missed the mark with me and I'm perplexed why that should be the case. Except for Malena Erman in the role of Prince Orlofsky (a sappy role to start with), the cast is strong with Lyubov Petrova in beautiful voice as the fetchingly beautiful maid, Pamela Armstrong in fine voice backed up by very good male singers. Most operas stretch credibility and this one continues that vein with a simple mask enough to disguise Rosalinde so her philandering husband is unable to recognise her. But I'm criticising the triteness of the plot rather than the production which is unfair. The orchestral playing and most of the singing, the costumes and set on a revolving stage are as good as you will get in any production with fine balance between orchestra, chorus and soloists. In summary this is not taxing intellectually, although the plot is exceedingly contrived, but is one of the most tuneful in the catalog with a lot of boring dialog inbetween. I doubt if I will be looking at it again for a long time so a disappointment for me but judjuding from comments by others, that opinion is not universal.
COMMENT FROM KAL: I think Jurowski's Glyndebourne Fledermaus (Opus Arte) is absolutely delightful. Well sung, performed and conducted with decent, traditional staging.
COMPOSER: TORROBA, Moreno Disc Title:
Luisa Fernanda Disc catalog: Opus Arte OA BD 7023D Recording Date: 2006 Program Length: 123 mins Teatro Real Madrid live production
Video rating: 5/5 Audio type: PCM 2.0, PCM 5.0 Audio rating: 5/5
Overall rating: 4/5
Summary comment: A light opera formal known as a Zarezuela in Spain, well sung and produced but not to all tastes?
Detailed Comment: I find reviewing this music is difficult as it really is not opera in the usual Italian etc sense so is better termed an operetta. All the music was completely new to me but much of it was very tuneful although seemed to lack passion and drama despite the much praised singing of Domingo backed up by a good cast. The story centered around two suitors for the hand of Luisa with a backdrop of conflict between Monarchists and revolutionaries, something which should have proved more dramatic than I felt. But then are operettas meant to be dramatic?
The staging was sparse with costuming generally white for the ladies and black for the men. Brighter costumes might have improved visual appeal and given a greater Spanish air to the production but that is not a major item.
The video and audio quality was up to the usual Bluray standards and it is very possible this disc would become more enjoyable on repeated viewings as one became more familiar with the music. Apparently the original production had a lot more dialogue but that was thankfully omitted.
So, disregard my personal lack of enthusiasm as it might very well appeal to you as it obviously does to many others.
COMPOSER: Verdi Disc Title: Aida
Disc catalog: DECCA 074 3300 Recording Date: 2007 Program Length: 158 mins A live Teatro Alla Scala Zeffirelli filmed Production
Video rating: 5/5 Audio type: DTS HD 5.1, PCM Stereo 24-bit Audio rating: 5/5
Overall rating: 5/5
Summary comment: An excellent production - a good first opera for those considering trying out this genre
Detailed Comment: Aida has been a favourite of mine for over 50 years but had not been looked at for awhile. So it was a great pleasure to reacquaint myself with the music. This production, filmed by Zeffirelli, is a sumptuous one although the frequent dissolves into out of focus waving cloth could be distracting at times and was a bit over done for me. NOTE: this has made some hate this production - you have been warned.
But the singing is brilliant, particularly Ildiko Komlosi in the role of Amneris. For some reason I have previously always regarded the role of Aida as the pivotal one but this production clearly demonstrates the importance of Amneris with her intense passion for our hero Radames, sung by Roberto Alagna. This is not meant to depreciate the great singing of Violeta Urmanda in the title role. The chorus is great although a more powerful Ramfis than Giorgio Giuseppini would have not gone astray.
The sets, costumes and lighting are top notch in this traditional presentation although the ballet scenes were somewhat wimpy.
The lack of audience applause at times was puzzling as Italian audiences are unrestrainedly enthusiastic, so it is hard to imagine Zeffirelli was able to persuade them to keep silent. So, it is possible some of it was filmed without an audience although no change in acoustics was obvious.
Yes, the sound is glorious and the video quality impeccable. Highly recommended.
POSTSCRIPT: The constant fades can be irritating and have turned some completely off this production. There are many negative user comments on Amazon. I was able to move past this but you might not feel the same so my 5/5 rating is out of line of what most feel about this offering.COMPOSER: Verdi Disc Title: Il trovatore
Disc catalog: Opus Arte OA BD7006D Recording Date: 2002 Program Length (Opera + Extras): 173 mins A live Covent Garden Opera house Production
Video rating: 5/5 Audio type: PCM 5.1, PCM Stereo No mention of bitrates Audio rating: 5/5
Overall rating: 5/5
Summary comment: Another excellent Bluray opera production - others to come might be different but hard to see them being better.
Detailed Comment: I've never been particularly enthused about this opera until now. It justfiably has the reputation of having the silliest and most unreal plot of all operas but when the singing is as good as in this Covent Garden production then that can be overlooked. The cast is uniformly great, the balance between the orchestra soloists and chorus fine which, combined with first class audio and video, make this a "must have" for opera lovers. It is a gloomy opera and the scenes on stage are all appropriately gloomy, maybe a little too much at times, something which could be a challenge for some video systems. I had a few reservations about Veronica Villarroel's singing in the role of Leonora in the first act but this was soon dispelled with the finale being hair raising stuff. Jose Cure, Dmitri Hvorostovsky, the brilliant Yvonne Naef and the rest of the cast are excellent and play and sing their roles with conviction and emotion. And that is about the best tribute which can ever be given to the supreme artistry of singers when relating such an unbelievable story. I have not looked at the extras yet so have no comment on them but expect they will add to the value of this release. Highly recommended.COMPOSER: Verdi Disc Title: La Traviata
Disc catalog: Decca 074 3327 Recording Date: 2006 Program Length (Opera only, no Extras): 141 mins A live Los Angeles Production
Video rating: 5/5 Audio type: LPCM 24 bit Stereo DTS HD Master Audio Surround 24 bit Audio rating: 5/5
Overall rating: 5/5
Summary comment: Another excellent Bluray opera production - a classic production of this opera that sets a benchmark that will be hard to surpass
Detailed Comment: “La Traviata” is the first opera that I became familiar with and has remained a favourite ever since. I guess I have more copies of this work on audio and video than any other work and this one tops them all. A luscious, traditional production with beautiful costumes and featuring the superb singing of Renee Fleming, Rolando Villazon and Renato Bruson, it is difficult to imagine anything better will ever emerge. Renee is lovely to look at and the passion that she and Rolando evoke is very moving and convincingly projected with first rate recording of audio and video. The second Act can sometimes be a bit relatively flat but not here. Renato Bruson portrays Germon with dignity and conviction with Rolando putting more passion into throughout the opera than I have seen from anyone. He surpasses his efforts seen in the other Bluray production featuring Netrebco. This disc is a must for all opera lovers and cannot be more highly recommended. It is one of the best in this collection.
COMPOSER: Verdi Disc Title:
Otello Disc catalog: Opus Arte OA BD7041D Recording Date: 2006 Program Length: 142 + 10 mins extras
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