Customer Reviews

The Adventures of Pinocchio [Blu-ray]

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Those of you who only know Pinocchio from the much-simplified Disney version are in for a real treat. This fine opera sets the entire story by Carlo Collodi (just released in a new translation by New York Review Books) and so gives new depth and substance to the familiar tale. Dove's music, an amalgam of Janacek, Britten, Stravinsky, Bernstein, Broadway, and even Gilbert & Sullivan can rather overdo the minimalist staccato brass and percussion figures, but charms nonetheless. Those who have suggested that the opera be trimmed and shortened in deference to a child's short attention span misunderstand what the composer & librettist are trying to do. In any event, this piece is just as much for adults as children.

The production itself is splendidly inventive. The modest stage area is used is used with great originality, and the set design and costumes are wonderful. The cast is excellent, and sing and act with energy, fine voices, and clear diction, making the subtitles unnecessary. Much of the music is whimsical and quite simple by operatic standards, but one or two numbers approach the power that Benjamin Britten could summon in his best works. This composer could clearly go on to bigger things.

Finally, the Blu-ray itself is reference-quality, as sharp and colorful as any I have seen. This is a winsome piece sure to charm the most jaded opera viewer as well as those who don't think they like opera at all.

The libretto is based on the original story (and not the sanitized Disney version) which makes it much richer and profound. Although the story seems to be about the adventures of a puppet miss-behaving, in reality it is a story about the love between father and son. Pinocchio gets into various adventures as a result of others inciting him there, while he wants to help his father; and Geppetto getting himself into trouble while searching for his son. The theatrical staging is just wonderful, simple and sophisticated leaving your imagination to complete the scene. It is very very effective. The music and the words are really one, making it easy to understand and enjoy. The singers are first rate in their voices and acting, and act they do!! If opera is the blending of music, words, acting and staging this opera with this production is it.
Don't be scared by the fact it is a new opera. It is interesting and enjoyable for kids as well as adults. Highly recommended.

Jonathan Dove's music was exciting and (as it should be) the truly driving force behind this delightful opera! The familiar story was emboldened with not only a more accurate telling to its original spirit but with such exciting orchestration, it was able to accomplish what few operas for families and young people have been able to do: provide real drama including exciting twist and turns, humor, and the all too often missing scary bits! There are, of course, problems, such as issues with the overly saccharine rhyme here and there, the almost overly obscene tonality of it all, but with such smart direction, and (again) lush and percussive orchestration, it works much more than it ever fails. It makes this opera lover wish the piece were being performed in his city! Well worth the add to one's collection!