Search - Moreno Torroba - Luisa Fernanda (Teatro Real Madrid) on DVD

Beautiful production! Enhanced by DVD Extras!

P. Sutherland | Berea, Ohio, USA | 01/12/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I loved this production, including the minimalist set featuring black and white costumes and props. The model of Madrid with buildings and the prominent letters spelling out MADRID set to the lower right of the stage revealed the setting. At the start of Act III, the choristers came on stage and removed the letters for Madrid and covered the buildings with an earth-colored cloth and poked little trees into the hills. This was a clever way to announce the change of setting to the countryside. Strange to mention this detail at the beginning of a review? Perhaps, but there seem to be many objections to the staging and I found it pretty and delightful.

Also, there are extras on this DVD, including a synposis and interviews with the director, conductor and Placido Domingo. The interviews added to my appreciation of the zarzuela form, particularly this production of Luisa Fernanda. The director and Domingo both have close ties with this zarzuela, but Domingo's are especially poignant. His father sang the role of Vidal Hernando and his mother sang Luisa Fernanda over a thousand times! Domingo has conducted and played both Javier Moreno and Vidal Hernando. His parents toured with this production, visiting Mexico and eventually settling there. I did not see the interviews until after I watched the production, but they underscore Domingo's passionate portrayal.

All the principal players in this production were excellent. I've seen Jose Bros in other operas, but he was in great form for this production, playing Javier Moreno, the ambitious "good-for-nothing" to the hilt. Domingo was fabulous! Nancy Herrara as Luisa Fernanda captured her conflicted emotions beautifully. Mariola Canterero was provocative and playful as Duchess Carolina.

This production was great on all levels and I recommend it!"

Great Singing and Acting

J. C. Gonzalez | New Jersey, USA | 04/25/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"If you love Zarzuela, Luisa Fernanda is a must and you can't ask for better players than in this production. My only disappointment was the scenery which was to sparse for my taste."

Most Wonderful !

Ms. Otmar | New Hampshire, USA | 04/10/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I can absolutely recommend this DVD, I have watched this zarzuela over and over again. The very simple staging - everything is black and white - takes a little getting used to, but other than that it's beautiful. Great singers! and if you like Placido Domingo, it's a must - as ever: he's still dashing and charming and makes you suffer, when he doesn't get the girl. I wish there were more zarzuelas with this kind of casting on DVD."

Spoiled by the set!!

Thomas E. Ascher | Bellingham, WA | 12/17/2007

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Based on other reviews I had high expectations for this but the production was spoiled for me by the use of a bright, white screen as a background for almost the entire production! Visually, I couldn't get past the glaring white set! The cast, singing, dance, and costumes were excellent. But I couldn't get past the background!"