There has to be a better performance than this out there:
I disagree with the reviewer that said that he didn't like this production because there was too much stage business all the time. If you watch any Laurent Pelly production (ex. Fille du Regiment, Grand Dutchess of Gerolstein), I think that you will be convinced that having loads of stage business can create a big impact. The problem with this production, though, is that there was not enough stage business when there should have been, and way too much when the there shouldn't have been (ex. Don Pasquale... more info
Once in a while...:
This is an opera which deserves to be staged once in a while, and a DVD which is enjoyable enough to watch once. Rent it, don't buy it.
Four stars for the opera within the canon of Donizetti's buffa. It's quite ingenious musically, the ensembles reaching par with Rossini, but there's no momentum or development, just one musical trick after another. Much the same might be said of the comic action, which is so much stock slapstick that the viewer has to choose to laugh out of courtesy. In short, it's... more info
"A charming portray of Donizetti's loved buffa opera":
This performance was taken from Cagliari Lyric Theatre live in 2002. The set and customs are traditional caring for every single detail resulting in a very effective accomplishment. As some other theatres around the world, the stage is kind of "transformer" being able to change from one scene to the next without moving the curtain, keeping audience tied to the action. Friedrich Haider conduction is balanced and well leaded allowing both the orchestra and singers to breath without hurries. The behind... more info
Over-Done "Don...":
I wanted so much to like this DVD of Donizetti's comic masterpiece, but was ultimately done in by the unrelenting mugging and stage business on display here. The director has absolutely no trust in the inherent comedy of the piece, but instead piles schtick upon schtick until his singers end up looking like Warner Bros. cartoon characters, their faces and bodies are so frantic and animated. Believe me when I say that every note is accompanied by a hand gesture or a facial tick or a roll of the eyes;... more info
