Search - Mozart - Le nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro) / Jean-Pierre Vincent · Paolo Olmi - G. Furlanetto · Szymtka - Opéra National de Lyon on DVD

Wonderfully done!

jgarcia112 | NJ United States | 12/09/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a very fine Figaro, and probably the best version currently available on DVD. Technically, the DVD is very good, with a clear sharp picture and good sound (it was recorded in 1994). The sets are also very nice - vibrant and colorful, suggesting a sunny mediterranian setting. The performance is excellent both in terms of singing and orchestral playing. The Lyon Opera Orchestra is a technically suberb ensemble with convincing leadership in conductor Paolo Olmi. His interpretation is full of spirit, and he seems to find an ideal middle road in terms of performance style - tempos are lively, but never pushed to uncomfortable speeds, and slower arias are geven their full breadth without ever becoming heavy, slow or marmoreal. Clarity between strings and woodwinds is exemplary.The youthful, attractive cast is just as good. While none of them were previously known to me, they all turned out to be secure singers and very good actors who become convincingly involved in their roles. I found the roles of the Count and Figaro to be especially well done. I was a little less enamoured of the Susanna and Contessa both of whom are very good, while not being excellent. Cherubino is also top-notch - the singer portraying the role sings and acts wonderfully, and looks more convincingly like a teenage boy than any other production I have ever seen. Truth be told, I did not expect to enjoy this Figaro as much as I did given my unfamiliarity with the cast and conductor. But now having seen it I'm VERY glad I decided to take a chance and buy it. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, but those looking for a good Figaro on DVD can buy this one with confidence - It really is superb... Enjoy!!"

Good, but better at certain places

Sam Cotten | Brentwood, Tennessee | 07/08/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This was great, but judging by other peoples' reviews on other videos that I've seen other viewers might think different. This video has many great qualities, but te best of all is that the two arias "Il capro e la capretta"(sung by Marcellina) & "In quegli anni"(sung by Don Basilio) aren't omitted. Usually they are, & this is the first time I have seen them recorded on tape. Giovanni Furlanetto is a great Figaro mostly because he is kind, sweet, & friendly, but close to the end he looks a little bit like he is drunk. Otherwise he is wonderful. Elzbieta Szmytka was okay as Susanna, exept she seemed kind of unfriendly to most of the other characters at parts. Janice Watson is very good as Countess Almaviva, but when she is seen in act two she seems a little bit plump, otherwise she is really good, especially in the fourth act. Ludovic Tezier was good as Count Almaviva, although he seemed to have a little too much make-up on. He also was in a bath robe when he is first seen in the first act. Francesca Provvisionato is not very convincing as Cherubino, but still has a very beautiful voice that works well with the character. The beautiful lyric soprano voice of Tiziana Tramonti as Marcellina was probably the best soprano voice that you could find, because Marcellina is usually sung as a mezzo-soprano. Marcello Lippi's great bass voice is hard to compete with, even when it comes to the sounds of Paolo Montarsolo & Samuel Ramey. Sergio Bertocchi was perfect for Basilio with his great buffo tenor voice, especially in "In quegli anni", his only aria.There are subtitles on this video, & they are very easy to see because there is a special region at the bottom of the screen for them. The translation isn't very accurate, but it still is great, & I reccomend this video very much."

An almost perfect Nozze di Figaro

jgarcia112 | 01/24/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Singing and acting are without fault, often exciting, right for Mozart's grand music and for da Ponte's score. The orchestra also excels, playing the glorious music while leaving the lead to the singers when it should. As an earlier reviewer noted, the casting with young singers/actors makes the proceedings seem credible and logical - the cast truly brings music and plot to life! The viewer needs not look at obese aging stars cast in young roles: there is no need to be "sophisticated" and look beyond that kind of directorial transgression if not travesty. Unfortunately, the staging - scenery and costumes - is spartan and, with few exceptions, neither true to the 18th century nor, to my taste, pleasing to the eye. Also to my taste, it is perilously close to a hypermodern approach that may fit some situations but, please, not Mozart and not Figaro! In sum, this Figaro is delightful to the ear but a mixed experience for the eye. I rate it A- overall, with an A+ in all areas except staging - which rates a D+"

A wonderful production of "Le Nozze"

R. Nicholson | 12/14/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Marriage of Figaro on this DVD is a good one, boasting fine acting and splendid voices.

The production is done at the Opera National de Lyon with its small and intimate stage and is performed before a live audience. Paolo Olmi conducts the orchestra. The sets have an attractive pastel quality without being overdone and the costumes fit the period for which the work was written. Also, the camera angles and video switching is well done.

This opera was one of three where Mozart used Lorenzo Da Ponte for the libretto and with the same results: a plot full of twists, suspense and surprises. Add to the words, the great music of Mozart, and you have a winning combination.

Stellar performances by Giovanni Furlanetto as Figaro, Elzbeta Szymtka as Suzanne, Ludovic Tezier as the count, Janice Watson as the Countessa and Francesca Provvisionato as Cheribino highlight the opera.

Although this cast does not have the blockbuster stars to sing the leading roles, it does have actors and actresses that seem to have a special sexy chemistry with each other that makes for a wonderful presentation. They are young, vibrant, enthusiastic and committed to the roles they are portraying onstage and yet at the same time seem to be having a great deal of fun.

A wonderful production of "Le Nozze": one you will be happy to have in your collection of great opera."