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11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Carreras CAN sing Chenier, November 9, 2000
By A Customer
This review is from: Andrea Chenier - Carreras, Marton, Cappuccilli [VHS] (VHS Tape)
I must admit I never thought I would be happy with a Chenier sung by anyone other than Corelli (by the way, if anyone has the video, PLEASE let me know). I just acquired the Carreras VHS of this wonderful opera and he is magnificent - back when the voice was liquid velvet and the looks were phenomenal. His acting is entirely adequate if not inspired. Marton sings beautifully even if she is way past engenue status. Piero Cappuccilli gives a performance of Gerard that will knock your socks off. The LaScala staging is a major star of this production - absolutely beautiful - no expense spared. Corelli's video is out of print, Domingo's is dull, so go for Carreras - you won't be disappointed.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Vocal Opulence!!!, November 23, 2003
This review is from: Andrea Chenier - Carreras, Marton, Cappuccilli [VHS] (VHS Tape)
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. The eternal showstopper Jose Carreras melds into the role of Chenier.You feel his outrage at the economic situation of the average French citizen. His voice is in perfect form. Visually and vocally,it is a beautiful production.I would hope it will come out on DVD to provide more visual clarity. A must-have for the opera novice or enthusiast collection.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent Chenier, July 30, 2003
This review is from: Andrea Chenier - Carreras, Marton, Cappuccilli [VHS] (VHS Tape)
Despite its stereotype as a "B" opera Andrea Chenier never fails to excite me. This is a wonderful production of Chenier with a few overlookable flaws. The other reviewers were entirely correct to laud Cappuccilli's Gerard. He is dramatic and believable with out wearing away at the ear as some dramatic singers can do. His third act aria is amasterpiece and you would have never known that "Chenier" was a B opera after watching his tortured expression. Eva Marton was really really loud. My speakers couldn't always handle her intence resonance; but its not her fault that hher voice is a force of nature on stage. She is a very believable Maddalena despite oversinging perhaps occasionally. Her acting and singing in Ora Suave Sublime was really exeptional and she was also intelligent enough to blend in the duet although she undoubtedly could have easily overpowered her lover. She also is bigger than carreras, physically, by far which makes for some interesting loves scenes. Carreras was a strangely likeable chenier. Although it is almost unbelievable that a spanish lyric tenor who's glory lies in light verdi would throw years off of his voice to sing perhaps the heaviest role in the italian reperitoire. But it's his voice; and if he is willing to give it i am willing to listen. And I ended up listening to a emmpassioned Chenier. Tone wise there is a even mix of the golden high notes of yore and the foggy wodden ones which I have learned to accept. His acting has never been better and his Improviso is something to behold! Overall this is a exceptional chenier! Although Carreras cant compare to Del Monaco or Corelli in steel and stamina he brings a interesting passion to the role that makes it fascinating.
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