Search - Monteverdi - L'Incoronazione Di Poppea / Leppard, Ewing, Bailey, Duesing, Lloyd, Gale, Clarey, Glyndebourne on DVD

Perhaps the best opera on DVD

Barry D. Steben | Singapore | 05/02/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In addition to a large collection of (mostly) Baroque operas on CD, I have over 75 operas on DVD, some in more than one version, as well Monteverdi's other two operas on DVD, which are also incredible. But this recording of L'Incoronazione di Poppea takes the cake, whether in terms of the beauty of the music, the effectiveness of the staging and costumes, the quality of the acting and singing of the principals, or even the dramatic and literary intensity of the story. The video recording is a little old, so the picture is slightly grainy, but the sound quality (though only in Dolby stereo) is incomparable, the production and conducting without peer. I am quite sure I will still feel the same after viewing it ten or fifteen times, though so far I have only watched it twice. This is a must-buy for any lover of Baroque music, and it is one of the operatic masterpieces of all time. It should be included in every course in the history of opera."

A stunning production on all levels!

Barry D. Steben | 05/08/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Maria Ewing is at her best! This production is profound, well sung and well acted. Naturally, the music and sound quality are also wonderful. Opera fans and novices alike will marvel at this Glyndebourne Festival Opera performance. See the Roman Emperor Nero and his equally amoral lover, the seductive Poppea, as they tread upon all that is Good. Even the just philosopher Seneca cannot escape their evil machinations. A must-see for classicists, historians, opera fans and anyone else who enjoys high quality theatrical performance. The brief introduction and excellent subtitles help in making this production an unforgettable opera experience."

Spectacular

Peter M. LaChapelle | 04/02/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Glyndebourne Festival Opera made this a magnificent production of L'Incoronazione di Poppea. Even if you're not an avid opera fan, you will find that both the music of Monteverdi and the staging of the opera by Glyndebourne will enthrall you. If you also happen to be interested in foreign languages, you have the added bonus of subtitles in French, German and Spanish, not to mention English. This recording is really spectacular. I've only had it a month and I'm afraid I'm going to wear it out because I keep playing certain segments over and over again. You'll be glad you purchased this one for your collection, I assure you."

JUST GREAT

Ribisi | croatia | 01/26/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Monteverdi at his best.Excellent performances, and great singing.The staging is also apropriately gloomy, which gives an extra mood to the whole opera.Ewing is great as skinny Poppea,and Dennis Bailey with his lusty face fits excellently in the role of Nero-the crazy emperor. This production does it on both levels; acting and singing ,which are on the highest levels."