Search - Rossini: Il Barbiere di Siviglia (The Barber of Seville)/ Bartoli, G. Quilico, Kuebler, Feller, R. Lloyd; Ferro/Schwetzingen Festival on DVD

Bartoli in "Il Barbiere"

Jeff M. Marsh | Gurnee, Il USA | 07/29/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This Barber stars Cecilia Bartoli as Rosina, Robert Lloyd as Basilio, Carlos Feller as Bartolo, David Kuebler as Almaviva, with Gabriele Ferro conducting. I really enjoyed it, but would caution some of the purists that it contains some minor cuts, such as at the end of the opera, they've dropped the scene where Bartolo wishes Rosia and the Count happiness, and also, Fiorello's recitativo prior to "Una Voce Poco Fa" is dropped. I really like s Carlos Feller as Bartolo; he reminds me a bit of Fernando Corena on the RCA CD set from 1958 conducted by Leinsdorf. In this DVD, Feller's character is funny and clueless, especially in the scene where Figaro shaves him and he catches on to the trick being played on him. Gabriele Ferro did nery wellwith this one; I've got his on CDs of "La Cenerentola" and "L'Italiana in Algeri. Bartoli was very young when this recording was made, but is right on the button with the role. You'll love it."

A great Barber

Jim in Cheyenne | Cheyenne WY USA | 06/29/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This film of a live production (which I generally prefer) captures the humor and tension of the work well. The performance, singers and orchestra a generally quite good. Some have reservations on the performance of the count in this production, for me that was not a distraction."

A lively, fast-paced and hilarious production.

David L. Rosenbloom | Los Angeles, CA | 11/30/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This 1989 production of the Barber of Seville from the Schwetzingen Festival in Germany is a gem. Terrific cast, fine conductor and great director. It all works to provide a most enjoyable 2+ hours of great music and rollicking comedy - Rossini at his best! One of the best productions of this opera I have seen in my 40 years of opera going."

Spirited and charming

MK | Vancouver, Canada | 10/26/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a sprightly and riotous take on The Barber. Its charm lies in the smooth integration of music, acting, and sets. It is there to entertain, and it sure does!

I am generally not a fan of `traditional' performances as the sets tend to be cluttered and the costumes unsexy. Or maybe it is just that many male singers look unappealing in tights... Whatever the usual problem may be, it is not present here. The singing honours do go to Cecilia Bartoli--not just for her impressive vocal abilities but equally for the uncanny temperamental match between the music and the performer. It feels as if Rossini wrote the part for her. But even more delightful is the even-keeled execution of the recording. No one singer is set up as the main 'star' and all get their well-deserved close-ups. They all have to play well together, and they do. In addition to the good chemistry between Rosina and the three men around her, the performance excites with a lovable ham of a Figaro, an appropriately handsome Almaviva (even in tights), plenty of playful camaraderie between those two, and, last but not least, a brilliantly acted Bartolo. Carlos Feller's portrayal of the buffoon is so hilarious it almost steals the show. All in all, great fun.
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