Search - Verdi - Attila / Jérôme Savary · Riccardo Muti · Samuel Ramey · Teatro alla Scala on DVD

Ramey gives powerhouse performance in rare Verdi!

12/13/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"From the foreboding overture to the Ceasar-esque finale, Verdi's "Attila" is a nonstop musical and dramatic masterpiece. Samuel Ramey gives a stellar perfomance as the Hun leader. Cheryl Studer and Giorgio Zancanaro round out the cast that truly breath firey life into Verdi's music. This La Scala production is conducted by the powerful Riccardo Muti, who gives a militaristic yet passionate treatment of the score. This recording is a must-have for opera fans of any level. "Attila" is three acts of rousing, passionate, and glorious theater, performed in the grand opera tradition for which it was written."

You couldn't have a better cast!

Carmela Altieri | Williston Park, NY United States | 06/18/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This opera is one of Verdi's forgotten ones perhaps because you need powerful and commanding voices to sing it. One couldn't hope for a better Attila than Samuel Ramey. He is simply vocally at his best and his acting is terrific. Cheryl Studer is a powerful Odabella and the Italian baritone Giorgio Zancanaro is outstanding. If you love Verdi's Nabucco, you will love Attila. I think that the Italians have it over the Americans; the Chorus is wonderful. The conductor, Riccardo Muti, is perhaps one of the best. This was the first opera I bought on DVD and I have gone back to it over and over. Please buy this one. It's worth the money."

Early Verdi superbly sung!

D. J. Edwards | Cheshire, CT United States | 04/08/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ramey and Studer triumph in a spectacular performance. Ramey's resonant bass rings true and powerful. Ranks up there with his Mefistofele! I cannot imagine this role more superbly sung and acted. Chicago Lyric Opera is in for much excitement next season when he does this role for them with such commanding and thrilling tone. Studer sings in the same league and calibre: rich tone, secure and powerful high notes with dramatic intensity, simply an all out no stops performance. Her soft notes are beautiful and her duets with the tenor Kaludov are equally memorable. He is not quite in her league but he does some fine singing. Wonderful production. Only Zancanaro lets down the side a litle but then it is not much of a role to start with. La Scala can be proud of this performance - which ranks high with their Domingo "Fanciulla" - and we are luckier than the audience present since we can see it at will."

Samuel Ramey at his Best!

E. P. Turner | Atlanta, GA USA | 06/11/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This opera is capable of overwhelming any audience with a penchant for Verdi. Sensibly staged with great video and audio,this particular opera maintains high production standards throughout. Even Cherly Studer brings off a very suitable impersonation of the warrior maiden Odabella. The polished, spirted work of chorus and orchestra is testimony to Ricardo Muti's ability to maintain the standards at La Scala. It's only 118 minutes long, so you won't get bored. Buy it . . . You'll love it."