Search - Mozart - Le Nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro) on DVD

ALL IT TAKES IS THE PASSAGE OF TIME . . .

Operaman! | Chicago, IL United States | 06/16/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"and a true dearth in opera presentations today to realize how ingenious Jean Pierre Ponnelle was. DG can be thanked for reissuing this lively film version of Mozart's classic with energy, excitement, dramatic tension and comedy, all without distorting Mozart or DaPonte's intentions or presenting a lot of whack-a-mole comedy or confusing "updating". Nonetheless, this is far from a stand-up-and-sing traditional staging. The direction brings an abundance of clarity to the plot and situations (aka, the Act Two finale). The singers taking part were just as dedicated to the drama as the music, a true ensemble performance, where no individual was doing a "star turn". It can be argued that this film version is not truthful to a true staged operatic presentation, and I can see the point of that argument. I feel Ponnelle's film can be enjoyed on its own as a unique entertainment, and I think you will too."

Delicious

Henk van Rensburg | Centurion, Gauteng South Africa | 06/19/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"A studio production, shot on film for German television. Subtitles are provided in various languages: the English one is useful and accurate, though inevitably some of Da Ponte's nuances are lost. The image is crisp and pleasing (unlike the flatly-lit, saturated Ponnelle "Carmina Burana"). The sound hardly betrays its age: a relief after the ragged sound on the Losey "Don Giovanni" DVD. The recitatives have a drier acoustic -- recorded on set, perhaps? The singers are all on top form, and near ideal. (Maria Ewing as Cherubino makes a convincing adolescent boy, even in close-up.) Böhm knows how to point every aspect of this wondrously varied score. Basilio and Marcellina lose their Act 4 arias. Ponnelle's direction shows insight, imagination and meticulous planning. There is only one serious miscalculation, when he has the Count strike the Countess in the Act 2 finale. The production as a whole is funny and exuberant and serious and clever (hints of the imminent revolution are not labored) and never vulgar. A feast for the eyes, the ears, and the mind."

Best Figaro Video!

operamaryc | DIAMOND BAR, CA United States | 08/06/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is surely the best performance of Figaro available on video. The cast is just about perfect for it's time or even considering those who perform it today very successfully. The Glyndebourne production is also excellent, however, the lushness of the sets and costumes enhance this performance over the other. Fleming is a great countess but so was Kiri! Looking at either of them, you wonder how they could have settled for a dolt like the Count! Highly recommend this verion as one of the very, if not the very best available. You will watch this many times! Great music sung by a great cast! What more could you want? Considering what is on TV these days - build your video collection and you won't be sorry!!! This one is full of fun!"

Bliss!

anniemnm | Rome, Italy | 04/18/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What a romp! This version of "Marriage of Figaro" has managed the unthinkable: I now believe that Figaro is Mozart's greatest opera, not "Don Giovanni" -- believe me, this took work! Prey is absolutely magnificent, handling both ends of the wide musical range of this role extremely well. His acting was wonderful, which was not at all unusual in this production. Maria Ewing is an adorable Cherubino and Freni is absolutely wonderful as the earthy and fun Susanna. Te Kanawa is a bit stiff, but it is only noticeable here and there -- partially because the other pricipals seem so at ease in their roles. DFD as the count (apparently his signature role from what I've read...) is impeccable. Add to all of this wonderful acting and singing a beautifully filmed setting, and you have bliss!"