Search - Donizetti - Lucia di Lammermoor / Devia, La Scola, Bruson, Colombara, Berti, Ranzani, La Scala Opera on DVD

Another dark lucia

06/14/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This DVD, in a series of old La Scala brodcasts, is from the 1992 season. Mariella Devia (Lucia) is in stellar vioce and gives a first rate performance. Hers is not the grand Lucia of Sutherland ('82 Met broadcast), nor the earthy Lucie of Ciofi (02 Lyon broadcast)... rather hers is a more bland, nuetrual Lucia. Thats not to say that her singing is bland, it is pitch perfect and has some unique dramatic shading. Vincenzo La Scola (Edgardo) doesn't erase memories of Bergonzi or Kraus, but he sings with a nice and bright tone even in the higher registers. Renato Bruson (Enrico) is as always a pure pleasure. He makes the most of the nasty villian he is. The rest of the cast is first class also, as one would expect from the "worlds best opera house".
The biggest fault is in the video direction, as with many of these early '90s broadcasts, they are dark and not many close up shots, and recorded in stereo. But that aside this is a very enjoyable DVD, if you are a fan of the belcanto composers, or if you have been waiting for a good and solid UNCUT Lucia then there is no reason not to make this a part of your collection. Enjoy."

A GOTHIC DEVIA DI LAMMERMOOR!

Armindo | Greece | 02/18/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This Lucia comes straight out of a dark 19th century oil-painting in a museum. Because of this, don't expect to find it lovely or romantic. Awe-inspiring is the word that comes to my mind and if you pay attention you can almost feel the chilly halls of Lammermoor Castle.

La Scola was a great surprise as Edgardo. A VERY fine Italian tenor with good squillo and well balanced acting. His top notes are particularly impressive. Bruson's lyric baritone has lost some of its opulence but it's still a great voice for this role. Colombara in one of his many Raimondos is noble but determined and his firm top notes come in handy.

Devia was in her 40s but she sounds as fresh as any soprano who had just made her debut. Her petite figure also ensures she looks the part. She was at the peak of her powers in 1992 and offers some of the finest singing on video of any vocal era. The mad scene, a scene I usually can't stand because of its lenght, is the highlight of the entire performance and both vocally and dramatically she took my breath away. Her perfect high notes and especially the staccati become expressive, natural sounds unlike any I've heard before and I'm aware of the stiff competition. All this spectacular singing is complimented with a balanced stage presence that is graceful overall and haunting in the mad scene.

Especially effective is the team work of the entire cast who bring the beauty of Donizetti's music forward. At any price, this is a performance that will honour your music library."

First-rate, traditional Lucia

MDFinMIA | N. Miami, FL USA | 05/09/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I can only second earlier comments about this splendid 1992 La Scala production: traditional settings, glorious costumes and spectacular singing. Devia is note-perfect throughout - a lovely instrument. Tenor La Scola partners with her effortlessly, with a great italianate "squilo" sound. Conductor Ranzani leads the Scala forces in a competent, if not entirely thrilling reading of the score."

A marvellous bargain

George B. Laurent | florida | 10/15/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Excellently staged in an "orthodox" manner and superbly sung. This is one of the 10 operas in the "La Scalla" DVD collection - each a bargain if bought individually but if bought as a collection they are a "STEAL". I have 5 and all are excellent. A great way to begin a DVD opera collection and a wonderful gift for a friend who doesn't have most of the operas included in the set."