Search - Paisiello - Nina / Bartoli, Kaufmann, Polgar, Galstian, Veccia, Fischer, Zurich Opera on DVD

What a Treat!

Anatola | NY | 07/20/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I wasn't really sure I would enjoy this opera when I bought it, but based on the reviews I took a chance. I am so glad I did. What an incredible performance! Cecilia Bartoli is vocally incredible, but besides that her portrayal of Nina is genius in its insanity. It is a shame this opera is not well-known. I got a very pleasant surprise, also, when it came to the strategically-inserted Mozart concert aria. I am a HUGE Mozart buff, so when in the middle of this phenomenal work by Paisiello there came a memorable aria by my favorite composer...needless to say I was thrilled. (Apparently it was normal in the 18th century to insert works from other composers into an opera.) As I said before, Cecilia Bartoli executes this SO WELL with her incredible acting that I can not even begin to give it justice in this review. No matter who you are or how little you have encountered anything but the main-stream operas, BUY THIS. You will not be sorry."

This is a must see!!!

P. Sutherland | Berea, Ohio, USA | 04/15/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Nina was quite a treat and a big surprise after my recent viewing of Paisiello's earlier opera L'Osteria di Marechiaro, which was an entertaining farce but not musically memorable. By 1790 Paisiello certainly came a long way! This was the year Mozart's Cosi Fan Tutte was first performed in Vienna and as contemporaries they must have influenced each other. I actually thought this opera was very much like Mozart in parts and as the credits rolled by, I saw that there was a Mozart aria included!

This production, recorded live at the Zurich Opera House in 2002 is based on the 1790 revision of Nina, Osia La Pazza Per Amore (Nina, the Girl Driven Mad by Love). The opera was revised again in 1795. It is billed as an opera buffa in two acts. It is not a comedy; it has a happy ending.

Cecilia Bartoli was perfect for this role! She was spectacular! I usually consider her over the top, but it is impossible to go over the top when you are playing a mad woman for two hours. Once you've done Nina, you probably don't need to do Donizetti's Lucia or Bellini's Elvira as you have already climbed the highest mountain. Unlike her usual Rossini roles, this part dispenses with the vocal embellishments, so you are listening to pure and simple melody taken to beautiful heights. I think this will remain my favorite role for Cecilia Bartoli.

Jonas Kaufmann as Lindoro was equally spectacular. No wonder he is on the cover of May 2008 Opera News! Both his solos and his duets with Nina were heavenly. I can't rave enough about his singing. But his looks are spectacular too! As he sang and his expressions changed, along with different camera angle views, I seemed to be seeing several incarnations of this man, all of them quite appealing. Watch for this one! He is going to be a superstar on the order of Placido Domingo.

The supporting cast of Laszlo Polgar as Nina's father, Juliett Galstian as Susanna and Angelo Veccia as Giorgio were excellent. Adam Fischer's conducting was superb!

Highly recommended!"

Nina - review

Dana Yudovin | CA, USA | 03/03/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Only Bartoli could perform this opera - her acting ability shines as well as her jewel-like voice. This is the first time I've seen Kaufman, and I was astonished at his vocal ability and musicality. Also, he's an excellent actor. My opera buddy and I think his international status should be recognized by more opera goers.
We look forward to seeing him in person and hope many more videos of his performances will be available.
This DVD is a must purchase by all opera lovers."