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Reviews (12)

T.T.T.T. =The Terrific Three Tenors!!
A truly wonderful performance. I wish I could of been there, but this is the closest I could get to it. The songs, the atmosphere, the orchestra....magnificant! I truly recommend this DVD. If you enjoy The Three Tenors, this is a must have. You can't go wrong with this one.

The best of the 3 tenor concerts!
Not only did they have Mehta, but the LA Phil and LA Opera chorus which makes this outshine the first performance in 1990.Of course, both performances are certainly worth collecting and you may get someone into an opera house with these top tenors.I was in the audience that night and must say they all sounded in top voice to me live and recorded.After repeated viewings I never tire of the arias.They changed the program right up to performance time and the printed programs didn't match what was sung that night.Who cares!This is just plain fun for everyone involved as well as the viewer!My only complaint is that the subtitles are "English" but just the librettos are subtitled, not the English translation so I hestiate to show it to a newbie.No translation is provided with the DVD but the Laser version did as did the VHS.Would be nice if the manufacturers would look at a DVD before releasing it with such glaring errors.This is a must have whether you are an opera fan or not!Bocelli could take a few lessons from watching this disc!Hopefully, people who think he is an opera singer will compare and see that there is a difference even with voices amplified.This is A MUST BUY!Watch it when you are depressed and it will surely change your mood for the better!Such singing!Such Fun!

In my humble opinion....
Most people, opera lovers and opera discoverers alike, enjoy this concert immensely. However, it has also suffered some criticism, which I can't help but feel is somewhat unjustified and does not represent an accurate portrayal of this mesmerising performance. It is clear, from the selection of songs, that this concert is designed for popular consumption rather than a highbrow, purist audience. It is thought by some that Jose Carreras is perhaps not as powerful or captivating as Domingo or Pavarotti in performance, but his choice of songs and arias here show him 'sticking to what he is good at'. `With A Song In My Heart', for instance, is similar to songs he sung in his role in West Side Story - a lighter, more musical theatre choice. His final solo aria however, 'E Lucevan Le Stelle', is bold, technically demanding, and he sings it with skill and feeling. As for the other two tenors, their selections perfectly show off their range and skills as performers as well as singers. The first three solos are reflective and beautifully conducted by Mehta, but new fans to opera should not be put off by the fact that they may not have heard of these, because the second set of solos seem designed to capture and entertain the audience. Domingo's 'Granada' is fabulous - he really pours everything into it, he glows with passion and vigour. Pavarotti singing Ave Maria is an emotional highlight, demonstrating his talent for singing more gentle arias, as well as his more famous power and range in 'Nessun Dorma'. The final solo's are the three at their very best and most impressive. Domingo portrays a definite character and personality in 'Vesti la Giubba', breaking down the language barrier for viewers who are unfamiliar with the opera it is taken from. Pavarotti does not disappoint, concluding the solos with his famous rendition of Nessun Dorma, which can't fail to blow you away. The medleys and songs they sing together provide an extra level of enjoyment in that the three distinctly different personalities come across so effectively. They are playful and hugely entertaining, without an ego in sight. Read more

Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Crossover    3. Classical Vocals    4. Music Videos - Classical    5. Opera   

Editorial Review

Dvorák's fairytale fantasy about a water nymph who falls in love with a mortalprince and becomes an unhappy human has done well in Czech opera housesbut not (until now) with English-speaking audiences. This 1986 production, sung inEnglish, takes liberties with the plot but does justice to the exquisitemusic. The recording's beauty and emotional impact justify David Poultney'sdaring, highly symbolic treatment of the story. There is no other opera videoremotely like this one. Read more

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Reviews (8)

Great Music but...
I bought this because I love Dvorak, and know little or nothing about his operas...I confess I began to watch it without reading the plot synopsis...tried to figure out what was going on without it...I think it's a reasonable expectation that one should be able to understand the plot that way.So...what's with this girl in the swing, and the pond in the middle of the bedroom floor?OK...it's a modern interpretation...oh, she's a water nymph, and she's sitting in a tree. It's not that her bedroom has flooded; it's a woodland pond.Sigh. I hate these modern versions--a fairy tale should be a fairy tale, and in the case of an opera like this, which is not as well known as most, most viewers will (like me) never have seen it before, so why not go with a real tree, a pond, etc.?This modern nonsense spoils it. Can we expect to see Hansel and Gretel set in the South Bronx? Also, I agree with others...just because it's sung in English (why on earth?) doesn't mean it doesn't need subtitles.I can only catch about half of the words.The music is great, and the singing is OK (the prince is too old and too fat to be her love object), but overall it's a disappointment

Original, evocative concept, very well performed
Yes, as everyone else says this is not the quaint fairy tale that Dvorak envisioned (and it is sung in sometimes garbled English), but it is an original and terribly moving evocation of a similar story--an unusual, different sort of being (a wood nymph in the original, here a young adolescent) who longs for a perfect, "normal" relationship and is left tragically betrayed and alone, if loved very briefly.The staging is starkly modern and at the same time Victorian (it makes Robert Carsen's Paris production with Fleming look very derivative); the singing is always heartfelt and impressive, although Rusalka (Hannan) has a few weak moments especially in act 2.The orchestral sound is generally good although the winds are at times strangely wobbly.But the final effect of this version of a quintessential romantic score is a revelation of deep human meaning that most traditional productions have not touched (including the Met one).Beautifully filmed.

Unintelligible
Performance was not bad, but why in the world go to the trouble of translating the libretto into English? I didn't understand much more than if it had been in Czech with NO subtitles. Putting it in English also distorts Dvorak's musical phrasing. I guess I missed the small print on this one.... if I had known there were no subtitles I would not have purchased it and I'm sure Amazon won't take it back for that reason. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Opera / Operetta / Oratorio    3. Opera/Operetta    4. Performing Arts    5. Performing Arts - Opera   

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Reviews (2)

"The Concert that became a Legend"!
Despite what the other reviewer has said about the technical aspect of the video, which is correct...there is some hiss, but furthermore I have to say that this is an excellent live account of the "Resurrection".There is about a 15 minute talk at the start of the video, by two famous individuals that talk about the significance of the date of the performance and about Mahler and Mehta...It was the day Israel celebrated its freedom from something I can't remember right at this moment.All you have to do is read the cover of the box! "The concert that became a Legend"!...Mr. Mehta is quite well known for his readings of Mahler's Second, he has numerous recordings of it.This interpretation is so hot that it's really a spectacular event your witnessing.It was filmed on a mountain in the desert, they show footage of the set up of the stage and seating and talk about the importance of the setting of the performance. It's really quite amazing to see all the work that went into this famous historic day.The hiss isn't really anything to worry about...What matters is the Resurrection of Spirit over Matter.

Abhorrent Sound Ruins It All
Such a pity.Mehta, a master in interpreting Mahler's scores, does a sterling job of conducting the Israel Philharmonic, which does an equally sterling job of playing.The picture quality is razor sharp.And then along comes a sound track that has, throughout the tape, a background hiss that cannot be ignored (it's not the speakers---I'm running a Bose Lifestyle system.)The hiss is particularly noticeable and grating during the symphony's quiet passages, and dominated every bit of enjoyment I was trying so hard to maintain.Don't buy it.Wait until it comes out on DVD (if it does), and then check the reviews (if any) to see if the hiss was edited out during VHS/DVD transfer.Bottom Line:A major disappointment and a mark of technical shame on whatever sound studio was responsible for cutting the master tape. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Music Videos - Classical    3. Orchestral & Symphonic   

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Reviews (6)

Perfection
Carreras' Chenier is the only one I've seen on video, but I'm not going to check out other tenors in this role, because in my opinion this is as good as it can possibly get. He looks fabulous and sings even better. His "improvviso" as well as "come un bel di di maggio" are show-stopping arias and he sings them both with great passion. This opera was recorded in 1985 and Carreras' voice sounds more mature, but it's still divine. There is something so irresistible about his interpretation of this role that makes it just sneak up on you and grab you by the heart. The finale of this opera where Chenier and Maddalena are facing death together is really moving.
Absolutely fabulous!!
I hope they will come up with DVD version. Carreras and Cappuccilli are the best. Marton is not too convincing, but it can be overlooked for the sake of the whole package. This is the best Andrea Chenier up to date and I do not think it is possible to make it any better.

Vocal Opulence!!!
What a high point in operatic history!!! Does it get any better than this? I doubt it. The team of Cappucilli,Carreras& Marton are stupendous.From the start,Cappucilli establishes himself as the definitive Gerard. The outburst of applause from the La Scala audience is richly deserved.His is a commanding yet compassionate bass-baritone voice.Although a bit stiff in the acting department,Eva Marton as Maddalena was perfect casting.She, along with Ileana Cotrubas, are 2 of the most under-appreciated singers of our time.Her " La mamma morta"had a bittersweet quality which surpasses the Callas interpretations. She must be heard to be believed.Read more

Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Musical Features    3. Opera / Operetta / Oratorio    4. Opera/Operetta    5. Performing Arts - Opera   

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Reviews (1)

Joan Sutherland explains the operas Faust and Rigoletto
Soprano Joan Sutherland, the "Voice of the Century," explains the operas "Faust" by Gounod and "Rigoletto" by Verdi with the help of some magical puppet friends.Designed for every child or adult who ever rolled their eyes at the prospect of having to listen to opera, this four volume series was designed to make the entire family comfortable with the wonderful world of opera.As Marguerite and Gilda, Sutherland explains the plot of each opera and sings a few highlights such as "Dieu! que de bijoux!...Ah! je ris de me voir si belle" and "Gualtier Malde...Caro nome," respectively.Certainly a treat for fans of Dame Joan to see her talking so earnestly with the puppets about each opera. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Childrens    2. Classical    3. Classical Artists    4. Performing Arts    5. Performing Arts - Opera   

Editorial Review

This traditional production of Puccini's enduringly popular opera Read more

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Reviews (12)

Quanto cielo!
Criticisms about this "Butterfly" are foolisheness.What a marvellous night when all the vocal performers was nothing less than shinning.Antinori,a very diligent singer here,just watching all conductor's markings,at no time losing sight of the character's poetry and spontaneity.His performance is a overpowering one.Saccomani sings an exemplary Sharpless as well.To my personal taste,Jankovic has a stiff voice but was a very proper Suzuki on this Dvd.Raina Kabaivanska!(let me warn you;she's tall,like a basketball player geisha)I was completely fixed on,from her entrance on "Quanto cielo!"(if you have a fine TV,just watch Antinori's drop eyes in this moment),then audience to get enthusiastic about her sweetness and brightness top notes above all female chorus."Bimba dagli occhi" was a touching experience even to me,always suspicious on Puccini's musical indulgences.Act II,one more break in "Scuota quela fronda?",'cause Raina just holds so passionated "He's returned and he loves me!",that people on Verona really go to mad.Besides,she proves herself a great actress on final scene.The only problem about that night was mistakes and tuneless horns,harps,too much noisy percussion,...What about shades,dynamics,...?I would like that players was been a bit more scrupulous all in all.Well...That's alive,anyway.

Butterfly fallida
Todav�a no he encontrado una versi�n de Butterfly que me resulte satisfactoria. Al adquirir �sta esperaba, por las estrellas que luc�a, que pudiera ser la versi�n que hace falta. Sin embargo, con excepci�n del bell�simo jard�n japon�s que logra ambientar plenamente la acci�n, el resto de ella es muy insatisfactorio. El sonido es deficiente, dependiendo de la posici�n de los micr�fonos ambientales a veces las voces se pierden.Por otra parte, en general, tambi�n resulta demasiado met�lico. El desempe�o de Kabaivanska, altamente profesional, es tambi�n muy inadecuado. Se supone que Butterfly tiene 15 a�os y K. representa tres veces m�s. Todos los esfuerzos del maquillador resultan insuficientes para ocultar su excesiva madurez. Tampoco la acompa�a el f�sico por lo alta y maciza que resulta para representar una adolecente japonesa. Su emisi�n, trabajada con mucha t�cnica, tampoco es concordante con la edad de la protagonista. Sus desplazamientos por el bello escenario, por todas las inadecuaciones ya anotadas,a pesar de sus esfuerzos, parecen m�s un remedo de una geisha. En todo caso, hay que destacar su dominio de escena y su seguridad para coordinarse con el director. En este �ltimo aspecto, el desempe�o del tenor y el bar�tono resultan muy pobres, preocup�ndose tanto de lograrlo que se olvidan que la �pera tambi�n requiere actuaci�n. La voz de Antinori, con un timbre demasiado met�lico en los agudos, tambi�n resulta insuficiente para el papel, especialmente cuando debe enfrentar el registro medio y bajo. La direcci�n de Arena, quiz� por el requerimiento de un conjunto demasiado numeroso por tratarse de una presentaci�n en espacio abierto, pasa por momentos en que pareciera no lograr una adecuada concertaci�n. En definitiva, los amantes de Madama Butterfly debemos seguir esperando una versi�n satisfactoria en DVD.

Una version de gran belleza
Esta es una muy bella version de la opera de Puccini. Primero por la bella puesta en escena que plantea la Arena de Verona, con ese jardin natural omnipresente. Luego, por la grandisima creacion (en lo vocal y en lo fisico) que hace del papel principal RAINA KABAIVANSKA, de vision obligada. Ademas aparece muy bien secundada por JANKOVIC (Suzuki) y FERRARA (Sharpless), que estan muy interesantes en sus personajes, y por el mas discreto, aunque suficiente, ANTINORI (B.F. Pinkerton) La orquesta y el coro responden a gran nivel, y solo un cierto sonido enlatado (provocado seguramente por el hecho de que el espect�culo sea en un gran recinto al aire libre) parece ser e unico punto discutible de este dvd. Muy recomendable desde cualquier punto de vista. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Opera / Operetta / Oratorio    3. Opera/Operetta    4. Performing Arts - Opera   

Editorial Review

This omnibus directors fest brings together 10 different filmmakers making 10 different films based on operatic arias. Jean-Luc Godard is stylistically the boldest, Robert Altman possibly the most imaginative, Franc Roddam celebrates American glitz, and Bruce Beresford is the most sentimental. Nearly all the other filmmakers involved--including Nicolas Roeg, Ken Russell, Julien Temple, Charles Sturridge, Derek Jarman, and Bill Bryden--are (or were, in the case of the late Jarman) world-class talents, but you wouldn't know that from their murky participation here. Read more

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Reviews (12)

An interesting proposal!
You must watch this film as a true artistic experiment and nothing else. It' s a successful encounter of well talented filmmakers who gave the best of themselves in order to create and recreate the Opera and extend the range of its possibilities.
Even the Men Can Cry
There comes a time when you are exposed to a film...to a song...to a photograph...to a piece of history that sends you to a place where you either want to be...or wish to avoid.
The movie that started me on opera
I first saw Aria in the theater back in high school (about 3 million years ago) and only because I wanted to impress a girl way more artistic than myself.Read more

Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Movie    3. Music Videos - Classical   

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Reviews (6)

Scotto Convert
Being too young to have ever experienced Scotto live, I was confused as to why Met audiences held her so high in her heyday.I had heard her recordings and thought she was interesting but that her floppy high notes were a major turnoff.Then, I saw this DVD.I completely understand her appeal now.She is magnetic and (I can't believe I am saying this) the loose high notes didn't even bother me.Everything else in this production is high quality as well.If you are a fan of Scotto, this is a must have.Also, the score of this piece is worth hearing and I haven't heard it done better than this (in fact, it is hard to find many recordings of this at all)...

disappointing production
although this DVD has very good performances by Domingo and Scotto it is flawed by very poor filming. Yes the set and costumes are lush, but it is so dark you can't see them.I bought this in spite of it being a Pioneer production, but I Met puts best foot forward
The Metropolitan Opera went all out to make its production of this rarely performed work a success. The sets are beautiful and match the music perfectly. The conducting and playing could hardly be bettered. Scotto is nearly perfect in the title role (just a few years earlier she would have been absolutely perfect). Domingo was at his best as Paolo. Nevertheless, veteran baritone Cornell MacNeil nearly steals the show as the nasty, brutish Gianciotto. At this stage of his career, his voice was no longer beautiful, but it still had the range, power, and expressiveness to personify this evil character. The opera falls somewhat short of being an unqualified musical masterpiece, but it is a fascinating and dramatically effective work and has some stunning scenes, including the longest battle scene I have ever seen on stage in an opera theater (Die Walkure, Act III Scene 1 is shorter and the actual battle seems always to take place off stage). I recommend that you get this one. You won't be bored. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Opera / Operetta / Oratorio    3. Performing Arts - Opera   

Editorial Review

Opera videos come essentially in two categories: movies, such as the 1984 Carmen, directed by FrancescoRosi and starring Julia Migenes and Placido Domingo, and opera house productionsfilmed for television, such as this 1991 Read more

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Reviews (17)

Nice singing; poor English subtitles
I like this opera mostly because the lead female singer Maria Ewing has an unusually silky smooth voice. It's an expensive stage production with fancy props, although sometimes the recording seems less than ideal, being loud at times and hard to hear at other times. And the English subtitles miss about 30% of what's going on. I fixed this problem by looking up translations on the internet.
Georges Bizet - Carmen - ROH Covent garden
This is the 2nd video/DVD of the opera Carmen by Bizet that I have seen - 2 different productions. I like this DVD because it includes English subtitles - perfect for my use as a college music history teacher. Ths music is excellent from the orchestra to the singers.
What are they saying?
The subtitles on this film are quite poorly done.There are large portions of singing or dialogue where there are no subtitles on the screen at all.Part of the fun of watching opera on DVD is to have an English translation of what is being sung or said right there in front of you.There is little excuse here as translations of Carmen are readily available from many sources.Hopefully, this is something that can be corrected in a future re-release as the performances were otherwise very good.
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Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Opera / Operetta / Oratorio    3. Opera/Operetta    4. Performing Arts    5. Performing Arts - Opera   

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Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Music Video - Gospel   

Editorial Review

Tuneful and atmospheric, Read more

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Reviews (10)

Best in the series
This is by no means a perfect performance, but I consider it the best of the series.It is intact, excepting small (though funny) parts of the dialogue and the second verse of Antonio's song ("For the Merriest Fellows are We").The singers, I thought, were all quite serviceable and well cast.The worst problem, as with all of the Brent Walker G&S videos, is overacting, cheap sets, and bad camera work.However, those iniquities are less in this one and it is quite serviceable.It captures the spirit of the opera, at least, and we are not left to groan over bad acting and singing as we are in the other videos.
Amazing!
The Gondoliers is one of G&S's greatest works and having just wrapped on The Gondoliers myself playing Gianetta, I found this production extremely enjoyable. With the exception of a few casting mistakes (The Duke and perhaps Casilda), I fully commend Opera World this time. They nailed the rest of the characters and cast them correctly (Michell (Don Alhambra), McDonnell (Giuseppe), Egerton (Marco), and Christie (Gianetta)) and even though the staging and technical stuff was not at it's best, the actors had enough energy and brilliance to their performance that the poor filming was masked. Great fun. If you are a G&S lover, this is a must-see.

"On some points rather sore, but on the whole, delightful."
I recently worked with a local Gilbert and Sullivan theater company to put on "The Gondoliers," and it has been interesting to compare the live show with this particular film production. Opera World has done a surprisingly good job with this low-budget version; while the sound quality is still poorer than could be wished, the choreography and filming are infinitely better than those used in their disastrous rendition of "HMS Pinafore." Particularly outstanding are the performances of Don Alhambra (Keith Michell) and Marco (Francis Egerton). Michell's soft-voiced Alhambra is an interesting contrast to our own bellowing and confused one, and his cold condescension contrasts well with the boisterous Gondoliers and their wives; while Marco has less to do and say in the operetta than his brother Giuseppe, his incredible facial expression and quirky additions (such as the rose between the teeth during the Cachucha in Act II) give him at least as much on-screen presence. Giuseppe (Tom McDonnell) comes off as somewhat stiff and ill at ease during the first act, but begins to settle into his role during his aria "Rising Early in the Morning." The sound and choreography flag somewhat during the Duke's song "In Enterprise of Martial Kind," but are made up for in full by the charming Gavotte in Act II. Casilda and Luiz aren't given much to do, but they make the most of their time on screen with the lovely duets "O Rapture! When Alone Together" and "There Was a Time."Read more

Subjects:  1. Performing Arts - Opera   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (13)

Near Perfect Balance
No recording of Le Nozze di Figaro would ever get less than 5 stars from me unless the singers were sadly out of tune. This performance certainly has no such flaw; the singers are splendid and vocally suitable to their roles. The sets are charming. The stage action is gracefully theatrical. This is an extremely well-balanced ensemble of music, theater and visual art. Other performances may include more enormous vocal talents, but few could be more enjoyable.

This one 'hooked' me on Opera for good!
This production is a sheer delight.I remember saying "No wonder opera won't go away after 400 years" when experiencing this for the first time.Mozart's penchant for making all the characters, no matter what side of the conflict they are on, completely irresistable.You'll want all these delightful folksto get their way. (except, perhaps, the Count!)Very well photographed, in a simple, yet elegant set.Szymtka, while not a natural beauty, aces the two suductive arias.And, her 'letter duet' with the Contessa will melt you into a puddle. I have seen 3 other versions of her role that don't come close.Furlanetto, as Figaro, is exceptionally fun to watch and hear.The rest of the well-balanced cast fills in nicely, to fill the 3 hours with more comedy, poignant moments, drama, and great music than seems possible. Out of about 80 versions of various operas I have seen so far, this is still my favorite.

Quaint performance of a masterpiece opera.
This is a quaint performance, the sparse stage does not detract from the nice performances.My only real quibble is the sound quality.For a DVD released in 2001, I was surpised that it only had 2.0 stereo.Add to that the fact that I had to turn the volume way up on the stereo just to get normal output.Read more

Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Opera / Operetta / Oratorio    3. Opera/Operetta    4. Performing Arts    5. Performing Arts - Opera   

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Reviews (3)

a voice teacher and early music fan
The English passion for oratorio is largely due to Handel. Every year from 1738 to 1751, he produced at least one."The Messiah" is THE MODERN ORATORIO,not only because the custom of rising and stretching in the seventh inning, when the "Hallelujah Chorus" is sung, but because its magnificent choruses, soaring arias and orchestral accompaniment are truly thrilling.Handel's oratorios,more dramatic than any previously written, were like operas, save that they were given without scenery and costumes.I'm giving this 5 stars because of the superior singing of Michael Chance and the excellent performance of the chorus and orchestra.I was annoyed by the bass voice of Robert Lloyd who had a very "muddy" sound and strange sounding diction.Jerry Hadley's voice is more suited to show tunes than to Handel. Sylvia McNair (soprano) and Anne Sofie von Otter did their usual fine interpretations , but justfor once I would like to hear all of the alto solos sung by a countertenor.Handel chose to use castrati singers for most of his roles, both in opera and oratorios, so why do we have to hear a female voice singing "He Was Despised" etc.. I do notice, however, that many modern day orchestrassuch as the Philadelphia Orchestra last December did not use a female alto soloist; they chose Michael Chance to do all of the alto solos.I noticed that many other areas did likewise use countertenors in place of females.Of course, the soprano must retain the usual solos.This is a well-done DVD. The viewing is good for all the soloists and good close-ups are included of the orchestra and chorus.

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'��«'�蹹''�� ��ٻẺ Laser Disc '''� '�з'龺�蹹�� release '�� 14 �.�.46 �֧'պ Order �ҷѹ�� ....'Ǿ'� '''ȷ�駻ǧ�ͧ�蹹�� �ѧ''ú��ǹ '��Ҩ'�Ƿ'�§'��ҧ , �س�Ҿ�ͧ��úѹ�֡ , ��èѴ�ʧ ��з'Ӥѭ ' �ѡ��ͧ''��٧ ,Soprano ' ��ͧ'��ҧ��ҳյ��觹ѡ , '§ Bass �ͧ LLoyd ��ŧ''��蹤� , ��͹ The Trumpet shall sound ' �ѧ'��ҧ'''� �ç��ѧ''Թ ....��ػ'� '� Messiah '�ҹ��ͧ'�Ҵ '��ҷ�ҹ'''''ǡ'.

Fine performance
A major problem with Amazon's listing of classical videos is that they don't tell you who the performers are.This makes a rational buying decision impossible.You can't even get a large image of the box to tell who it is.So I'm writing this review as a public service since I can recognize the box (similar to the CD) as being the second Marriner recording.It hasRead more

Subjects:  1. Christmas / Chanukkah    2. Classical    3. Performing Arts    4. Performing Arts - Opera   

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Reviews (14)

Beautiful setting for beautiful singing
This 1990 soccer World Cup concert, which launched the Three Tenors phenomenon, has a beautiful open air setting at the Caracalla Baths in Rome.This means however, a loss of acoustics.Orchestral sounds that would be enriched by a little reverberation literally drift away on the evening breeze.But the singing is excellent.They sing 4 solos each, then - after a sinfonia, or orchestral interlude - 3 more as a trio; 16 tracks in all.All three singers are perfectly at ease in the Romance languages, but struggle with German and English, sometimes quite badly.In the worst example, 'Maria' from West Side Story, Pavarotti bellows, "Say it soft and it's almost like praying".Well, we'll have to take his word for it.
The night that started it all! (#2)
Please see my review on the CD recording of this work. Everything I say there applies to this dvd. Buy it! It is a landmark in music history as well as one of the most enjoyable things you will ever watch!

5+ STARS FOR THIS ONE!!
You simply cannot go wrong with this one. I enjoyed this concert
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Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Video    3. Music Videos - Classical    4. Performing Arts   

Editorial Review

This is an opera about true and false feelings, emotional manipulation, and the striking of poses and attitudes by people who are "emotionally correct" the way many individuals and institutions today are politically correct. As the opera progresses, the attitudes of the two romantic heroes and their fiancées are gradually undermined, but they begin by saying and doing exactly what is expected of them, with results that are musically beguiling and, at the same time, very funny. In Act II, theemotion becomes real: the characters who were like puppets begin to shed true tears, and the comedy deepens into a serious statement about human fragility and the need to tolerate one another's weaknesses. These points are well made in a performance that is musically and theatrically polished, with particularly fine ensemble singing. There are six solo singers in Read more

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Reviews (7)

Dontwrite this one off too quickly!!
The reviews here seem rather divided but if you read them carefully you will see that everyone pretty much agrees that this is a first rate production with top notch performers. Technical issues seem to have affected some of the viewers in a negative way, but I wasn't distracted in the least. I thought this version was a lot of fun. The production captures the spirit of this provocative masterpiece very nicely. It is convincingly acted and is very entertaining--- from beginning to end. Adelina Scarabelli as Despina is the stand out performer here (as others have noted). She enters the part with all her heart and you might think the role had been written with her in mind.This is the third version of Cosi I have seen and this Despinaoutshines the competition in this show-stopping role. There may indeed be superior versions of Cosi (like the Gardiner version) but this one has great merits and is certainly well worth experiencing.

Cosi Fan Tutte
The sets are wonderful, as one expects from La Scala. There is not one weak voice in the cast. You will love Despina. What can I say?Mozart reigns.

Ouch. Ouch.Ouch.
I have listened to over 600 different opera recordings in my lifetime on video and if I had to choose a video that had the worst sound quality and the worst balance of sound recording between voices and orchestra, thiswould be the one.This, like many opera dvds, was not a recording producedexclusively for dvd, but rather, a dvd recording re-recorded onto vhs withadded menus and special effects.Muti is an excellent conductor and theemotion sparkles in this production but my ears were left straining to hearthe notes of Mozart's beautiful opera.Avoid this recording like theplague and don't say that I didn't warn you.If you want a good recordingof Cosi Fan Tutti to listen to, (I'm still looking for a good videorecording) buy Georg Solti's recording with Michele Pertusi singing bass. You'll love it, I promise! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Documentary    2. Movie    3. Performing Arts    4. Performing Arts - Opera   

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Reviews (2)

Yawn
The premise of this film as indicated on the jacket is impossibly vague; it is described rather unhelpfully as an exploration of "love" and "generosity of spirit" and so forth.Once you see the video, you will understand that the film itself is so unfocused that there really is no adequate way to describe it.One might think of it as a patchwork of ideas that were spewed out during a brainstorm by first-year film students over Sunday brunch.There isn't a great deal of intelligence behind this production.

Superbly done. A must see for any Cello enthusiast.
At first I struggled on whether or not to give this film 4 stars or 5 stars, but then I watched it again and concentrated on the music, andrealized that it was definately worthy of 5 stars! The story line was alittle complex, but that was intended. The music, however, was the focus ofthe movie, and the music was flawless! Read more

Subjects:  1. Chamber Music & Recitals    2. Classical    3. Music Videos - Classical   

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Reviews (6)

Many conductors left out, and is short. Still very good!!
This is a fantastic video, and very interesting and funny. (But short - see below) It shows conductors and musicians (Isaac Stern, Menuhin, Heifitz, etc.) in rehearsal, concert, and interviewing. we also get to see Richard Strauss conduct his music (he looks bored - and you can probably tell why.) A sampler, not a history
Is it fair to the musical greats of the past to subject them to television's talking head/archival footage/talking head presentations of today?If it helps rescue some unjustly forgotten conductor, maybe so.If the sound byte + 45 second film clip leads a viewer to think that there is nothing more than that to a conductor's story, then that's wrong. Rare, Priceless Films of Famous Conductors at Work!
The BBC television network came up with a real gem when someone in their heirarchy had the ingenious idea to compile a visual perspective of the great conductors of the 20th century.This is truly a magnificent video! All classical music fans have a favorite, and most everyone who obtainsthis video should find their favorite contained therein.A fleetingthought that has probably occurred to those of us who like and collectclassical music recordings know how their favorite Golden Era conductormade a particular masterwork sound; but WHAT DID HE LOOK LIKE DOING IT? This video is certain to provide that answer.Contemporary big-namemusicians and associates such as Isaac Stern, John Eliot Gardner, andRichard Mohr, who worked with the featured conductors, providereminiscences and impressions of what it was like to work with them.Read more

Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Music Videos - Classical    3. Orchestral & Symphonic    4. V/a Compilations   

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Reviews (1)

accurate dazzling performance of Gershwin by Dallas Symphony
Gershwin, so rarely performed as it was actually written, is done brilliantly by the Dallas Symphony.They play his Rhapsody In Blue as it was intended to be! Absolutely no collection should be without thisfantastic video! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Tone Poem/Symphonic Poem    2. American 20th/21st Century Opera    3. Classical    4. Classical Crossover    5. Film    6. Film Music    7. Miscellaneous Vocal Music    8. Music Theater    9. Music Videos - Classical    10. Musical Theater    11. Opera    12. Orchestral    13. Vocal   

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Reviews (1)

Amazing Zefirelli and Domingo!
Franco Zefirelli makes here an astonishing film adaptation of Leocavallo`s famed opera. Though using scenarios sometimes, the settings are convincing and give another dimension to what was to be carried out in an opera stage. The production surely adds to the musical quality. In relation to this, Domingo is superb. Pagliacci is, no doubt, one of his best roles and he is in a great form. More than this, this record shows us that Domingo can be an extraordinarily convincing actor for an opera singer. The other singers are great as well and were it not because of the great presentation by Domingo, they surely could be de highlights of the cast. The production is really a must for any opera lover, whith great music quality crowned by great scenes. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Video    3. Opera / Operetta / Oratorio    4. Performing Arts    5. Performing Arts - Opera   

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Subjects:  1. Classical Artists    2. Documentary    3. Movie    4. Music Video    5. Music Videos - Classical    6. Performance