Search - Georges Bizet - Les Pecheurs de Perles / Massis, Grassi, Nakajima, De Donato, Viotti, Pizzi (Teatro la Fenice, Venice) on DVD

Lend Me A Tenor

Charles D. novak | minneapolis, minnesota USA | 04/25/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"A first rate production - just don't expect palm trees and temples - great conductor - but Lend Me A Tenor! Nakajima just doesn't make the grade in singing or acting. His big duet with Grassi just falls flat. The two voices aren't compatible and there isn't an ounce of genuine affection or friendship shown between the two men. This is also not the regular version of Pearl Fishers you are used to hearing. There are more choral arrangments which were interesting to hear. If you must have a PEARL FISHERS, I suppose this will work even if there are a few moments you will cringe over the tenor. Good luck!"

Strong Venice production

MDFinMIA | N. Miami, FL USA | 04/16/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"A surprisingly strong performance taped live in Venice's Teatro Malibran (temporary headquarters of the Fenice company), with a talented young cast, beautifully conducted by veteran Viotti. Star turns from soprano Massis (exquisite, floating high notes) and Grassi (wonderful, masculine sound in full control). Less successful is tenor Nakajima, whose average instrument is neither strong nor controlled throughout in pitch. Pizzi's production is great, given the tiny stage of the Malaban, and the Fenice orchestra and chorus are superb."

These Pearles are worth fishing for

Giles Bernard J. Hall | Tasmania; Australia | 04/27/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Firstly let me say that the following is my personal opinion and it may not be yours; but think about what I have to say and hopefully you will give this little gem a dust and polish and see it for what it is.

Les P?cheurs de Perles is one of those rare operatic gems, just like the real thing. A very easy opera to stage, yet not staged enough. This production from the Teatro la Fenice di Venzia, achieves just that. It is an opera that does not demand powerful voices, so you do not require a Domingo/Milnes here. The production is first rate and the cast equally as good. Though being a traditionalist where sets & costumes are concerned, I actually find this set works.

My previous colleagues seem to disapprove of Nakajima's voice. Granted it is not a powerful voice, but as I stated in the beginning, this opera does not require it. We have been spoilt by having had the cream of the opera world sing it, but that does not have to be. As far as saying he's off pitch, he is not and as in the duet (the original and not the traditional); he & Grassi blend exceptionally well.

Annick Massis' L??la is just something again. I can not wait to see her in something else. She has actually recorded two Donizetti's Operas for Opera Rara: "Elvida" and "Francesca di Foix".

One has to remember that this is a performance of the ORIGINAL "Les P?cheurs de Perles" and not the one we have grown up with, so there are some changes that we have to come to terms with. Like Nadir's aria not scraping the paint off the ceiling, but gently letting it die away. The Duet melody we are use to in "Au fond du temple saint", actually appears as a trio at the end of the opera. There are other subtle changes as the opera goes on. I actually prefer this `Original' production and if looked at through fresh eyes, you will too.

This means not trying to compare it with previous versions, because you can not, it IS quite different and you have to forget all the others and treat it on it's own merits.

All in All; this is quite a performance and deserves to be added to your collection. After all; we are NOT going to get another DVD production for many, many years to come; if at all. I welcome this work into my collection with no reservation.

"

Visuals add to this adequate performance

Richard | Minneapolis, Mongolia | 08/13/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This isn't a great opera but it has some beautiful moments. The plot is cliched, but the exotic locale helps leaven it and Bizet supplies some gorgeous "Asian" sounding music. The principles are all up to their roles. Massi as Leila is wonderful although she looks a little old for the part. The tenor Nikajima has a sweet if somewhat weak voice and Grassi has a nice baritone. The production uses a unit set but varies it when necessary. Another element is the dance which flows throughout the production and enhances it. The CD of this performance would not challenge the EMI set with Barbara Hendricks. But when you add the visuals it earns its place."