Search - Gounod: Romeo et Juliette - Mozarteum Orchester Salzburg [Blu-ray] on Blu-ray

Brilliant production - a must have for opera lovers

Mr. John A. Coulson | Australia | 05/12/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Gounod - Romeo et Juliette / Mackerras, Alagna, Vaduva, Royal Opera Covent Garden

An excellent recording from all points of view - technically, artistic singing and acting, costumes ....

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."

The sight & sound of Amazing music

Stephen Dickensheets | Philadelphia, Pa | 04/19/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was amazed at the production values, considering, the Von Trapp Singers sang there prior to their departure from the Nazi's, because the stage area is not conducive for theatricals/opera.

This was an original and delightful and masterfully executed production.

For me,I knew of none of the performers, but after this I shall never forget them.

Ingenuity in production, and even more clever was the direction.

8 out of 5 stars. The BluRay is exceptionally well recorded."

Excellent except for staging.

A. BOSS | Mountainside, NJ United States | 01/28/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Singing, music, acting, costumes, & BD technology are all excellent. Unfortunately, the staging tried too hard to be creative. The single set for all acts, even though the lighting was effective, did not fit any of the acts well. (ie. The elevated center part of the stage was too big for the bed in Juliet's bedroom scene, but served no useful purpose in the other scenes.) Also, I don't agree with the directors that feel there must be stage action during overtures and preludes. Since the (mis)direction was not as intrusive as some I have seen, I still give 5 stars in spite of the staging."

Courageous Rolando not on top

christian engel | copenhagen | 10/07/2009

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Rolando Villazon poures his heart into every role he sings but sometimes it's just a little bit too much. He is 100% all the time from start to end and this makes the climaxes in the drama and music vanish. I would wish he could economize with his dramatic gestures and acting, and then let go in the big scenes. Gounod's score has enough drama and high voltage music already.

The same with his singing. I think his 100% attitude has damaged him vocally. He sounds strained in this production, he omits some top notes in the third and fifth act and sometimes hides behind Machaidzes voice in the duets. Occasionally he shouts more than he sings. Machaidze has a very large secure voice and looks a bit like Netrebko, but without her charisma and charm."