Search - Bellini - La Sonnambula / Bartoletti, Moffo, Clabassi on DVD

A gem for all Moffo fans

R. K. Sedlacek-Parker | AL, United States | 11/08/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Produced for Italian television in 1956, in black & white and with mono sound, this film (!!) showcases a young and very lovely Anna Moffo; probably at the beginning of her international career and most likely her first encounter with Bel Canto. Although sound and picture quality are not up to today's standard (who's surprised?) I dare call it a gem. And besides, it's the only SONNAMBULA on DVD todate. Moffo's singing is absolutely delightful and the camera loves her. Of the supporting cast I'd like to particularly mention tenor Danilo Vega and bass Plinio Clabassi. Both fine and very able singers. Bruno Bartoletti is the conductor and, among others, should be remembered for many years of excellent work at Chicago's Lyric Opera. In the tiny role of the Notary a veteran comprimario tenor: Giuseppe Nessi. In the Turandot premiere of 1926 he created the role of Pong. Finally: the picture on the case is not from SONNAMBULA. But it's Moffo alright. Enjoy!!!"

The lovely Moffo sings with creamy beauty, but the rest is c

Ingrid Heyn | Melbourne, Australia | 11/06/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Anna Moffo's voice was a gift from God. One of those typically beautiful creamy lyric voices (in the same mould as Renee Fleming, Kiri Te Kanawa and Teresa Stich-Randall), she was born to sing Mozart, bel canto, the Villa-Lobos Bachianos Brasileiras No. 8, and more.

Even here, as a young performer at the beginning of her career, the voice is magic. She herself, although she has yet to bloom into the full physical beauty that will be hers, is extremely pretty in this filmed version of Sonnambula. But of the accomplished actress that is also to bloom... as yet there is little, if any, trace. She has a lovely smile, and a good "I am agonised" expression, but one really needs more than that. We know that she DID develop and become a good actress, and that her voice continued in its beauty...

However, do not think to find any well-developed acting technique in this film version of the opera. It often has a quaint charm about it, but the acting is often atrocious - by EVERYONE. The chorus are particularly culpable for very bad "stage" moves which are under-rehearsed and cringe-worthy. No one is fully convincing... although some are less convincing than others.

As far as the singing goes... well, it is mostly adequate. No one else matches Moffo's exquisite sound, but the Elvino is okay, the Count is better, and the Lisa sounds far too much like a tin whistle to please.

As a historical document of the young Moffo, this is well worth the price. But as a well-staged or well-sung performance of La Sonnambula - no. Get this for Moffo's voice and youthful loveliness - in that sense, you will not be disappointed."

Early Moffo gem!

leelee | Chicago, IL | 03/01/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Film is black & white and in mono featuring a very young & terrific sounding Anna Moffo. Although it looks like a fuzzy black & white tv program - here is a wonderful chance to see Moffo possibly very early in her career. Her singing is spectacular and at first, I did not recognize her because she had not yet blossomed into a gorgeous beauty. Don't get me wrong, she's still lovely. However, I immediately recognized that creamy voice of hers! Considering there are few recordings or even films of Moffo in the early stage of her career - this is a must have for Moffo fans. I give 5 stars for her performance. Brava La Moffo!"