Customer Reviews

Boito - Mefistofele / Arena, Ramey, Benackova, San Francisco Opera [VHS]

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The 1989 performance of the San Francisco Opera's production of Boito's 'Mefistofele' could not have been more brilliant, more vibrant, more beautiful. It was captured well during the original performance and the transfer to DVD was superb. Having not seen the show performed live, I should state that I am at a bit of a loss in that department, but having seen enough operas live in my days and having recorded them as well, I can safely say that this particular DVD is well worth the money.

Ramey's performance is without question phenomenal. The supporting cast shines as well, but in contrast they are merely props to his indomitable presence on stage. He owns the role and he steals the show.

The staging, lighting, set design, choreography, and costuming are without a doubt some of the best opera has ever seen or will ever see. If ever a company could capture both the choirs and angels in heaven and the sin and vice on earth so perfectly, the SanFran Opera Co outperforms on all levels.

The sound quality on the DVD is excellent and the picture was great. Overall, any and all opera fans should add this one to their collection. For that matter, any and all stage/theater fans should pick this one up, as well. You will not be disappointed.

This is one of my top five operas of all time. Boito may not have been Verdi, but this one opera has some of the most powerful, sublime, and tear-jerking beauty of any opera-period. What make's Boito's Faust/Mefistofele story different is that the central character is the title character. It's a story about the struggles of the devil, more than the moral and philosophical wrestling's o Faust. Boito's Mefistofele is almost human in his pathos. He defeat at the end is highlighted by the real betrayal he feels, both by Faust and, more importantly, by God.

That being said, this is also a fantastic presentation wonderfully captured on DVD. It's over the top at times because the opera is over the top, in that beautiful late Romanticism. Ramey is superb, as is Benackova and even Arena as Faust (he really is very good, I only qualify my praise since in both of my CD versions, Domingo is the tenor-a tough act to follow, but Arena does a great job).

Samuel Ramey does a great job with the title character. This is a very difficult role for any bass to sing, but to sing well takes an extra special voice and dramatic talent. Few have mastered this role. I have listened to many of the historic recordings of this opera (either whole or highlights) and in my opinion, only two basses, Ramey and the late Norman Treigle have really captured the raw sensuality that this role demands without sacrificing the beauty of the vocal part. In that sense, Treigle was this role. He championed it, and it was his signature role. It's a pity we don not have film of him performing this opera-- I understand the sexuality he brought to the role was pretty controversial in New York in the late 1960's. But for power and sex, Ramey's no slouch. He demonstrates a sarcastic, sensual sophisticate quality that makes this devil at bit more likeable, and all the more evil that the stereotypical man in the red-union suit. I love the scene in the final, where he is drinking whiskey from the bottle, smoking and throwing cards into a hat, while he waits for Faust to make up his mind. That is a great bit of staging that adds so much to this opera.

Overall, this is a great production, wonderfully staged and recorded. It would make a wonderful addition to any opera collection.

This DVD puts my old (much played) VHS copy in the shade; colours and picture definition are good and the soundtrack is superb, especially in the climactic moments when the grandeur of the piece is quite overwhelming. Maurizio Arena propels the music along nicely while the principals (Ramey in particular) do a fine job on stage. The stage design is eclectic but, unlike so many operas produced today, the drama is complemented rather than compromised. But it is Ramey's night; I've never heard or seen him in such commanding form. Benackova as Margarita/Elena sings well, too, and Dennis O'Neill is a competent Faust. Full marks, too, to the members of the chorus, especially in the deliciously gaudy Sabbath scene - a real show stopper. Last but not least, all praise to veteran video director Brian Large who instinctively frames the action perfectly. A must for every opera lover's collection, so don't hesitate!

In voice, physique, and bearing, Ramey is simply the perfect Mefistofele. After him, it's the chorus that stars, and when Ramey and the chorus get together in the amazing Witches' Sabbath, with the devil in a tailcoat furiously conducting the revellers, it's unforgettable. This is simply a beautiful production, well worth owning even if some of Boito's music is not first-rate. I subtract a star for an unconvincing Faust and a mediocre image with an unacceptable level of motion blur.

I saw this production at the San Francisco Opera, and the DVD, while great, doesn't do it complete justice. The prologue in Heaven just has to be seen to be believed...probably one of the most moving pieces of music composed for opera, in my limited view. At the end of the prologue, the resounding "Amen" sung by the angel chorus is accompanied by a light on stage so strong that it filled the opera house, turning night into day, and really underscored the power of the piece. Okay, maybe a bit dramatic, but hey, this is opera!

This is my favorite opera, I live near San Francisco, and Sam Ramey is my favorite opera singer...so I admit to some biases here, but trust me: you won't be disappointed with this DVD. The costumes are fanciful, the sets work in a minimalist sort of way, and the soloists/chorus/orchestra really stand out.

But it's Samuel Ramey who is in top form throughout this production. That he can keep up the intensity throughout the performance is simply amazing, and his bass voice has never sounded more booming, powerful and convincing. It seems to be the role he was born to sing.

I also recommend the CD put out by Sony Classical, conducted by Giuseppe Patane, also featuring Ramey (and Domingo as Faust!).

From the very beginning of this video up through the final curtain call, the San Francisco Lyric Opera's Mefistofele is an engaging and exciting feast for the senses. This is the sort of performance that is meant to be seen and not merely heard - it would be an awful waste to lose out on the beautiful visual displays throughout the opera. The meticulous attention to detail is easy to see in every scene be it in the ornate sets and costumes or the elaborate staging.

Ramey makes for an incomparable Mefistofele as his always incredible vocal prowess is paired with a stunning visual portrayal of the character. Dennis O'Neill's Faust, however, is one that would do better to be heard on an audio recording as O'Neill's well-groomed vocals are a pleasure to hear, but are brought down on video by his mediochre acting - especially his nearly constantly wandering eye focus. The soprano, Gabriela Benackova, puts on an adequate performance as well, perhaps hindered by the fact that she had very little to work with from O'Neill.

Overall, fantastic performance, well worth your while - didn't get five stars because of Faust, plus the first angel scene during the prologue seems a bit dragged.

There are not so many video tapes of this opera (actually I know this one and another from an Italian opera house, which is just awful!). I love almost everything in this tape. The music, the singers, the production which is beautiful and goes well with the action. I find the Classical Sabbath specilly original and inspired... Helen of Troy is the most beatiful woman on earth and Gabriela B. feels like it there!
I wish Dennis O. would be a better actor, he is always looking at the pit... and that's specially comic in his duet with Helen of Troy. On the other hand Samuel R. deserves an Oscar! and Gabriela B. is also a good actress...
Just buy it an enjoy!

This is the best recording of an opera on DVD I've seen. Ramey is unmatched in this role, the costumes and scenery are fantastic, the performance spot-on, and the recording and filming beautifully done. Run, do not walk, to your keyboard and order this recording of this wonderful opera by Boito.

We should all be grateful for the tenacity of Arrigo Boito.After a disasterous debut,he reworked "Mefistofele" into the masterpiece we enjoy today.I own 2 copies of the opera on cd.The Rudel production with Treigle,Domingo& Caballe as the principles.The Gavazzeni production with Ghiaurov,Bergonzi& Kabaivanska as the principals
"Mefistofele" is grand opera at its grandest.From prologue to epilogue,it is a feast for the eyes and ears.The antics at the Easter celebration may raise an eyebrow or two but hang in there. Samuel Ramey was born to play Mefistofele. He is at his zenith in this performance.His voice had to have shook the rafters of the enormous War Memorial.Gabriela Benakova was wonderful in the dual roles of Margherita and Elena. Dennis O'Neill,whom I was not familiar with,possesses an instrument of great beauty as well.
This is fast becoming my favorite opera.The salvation of Faust in the epilogue is the most beautiful ending in all of opera.This opera is not performed enough today. I'm spearheading a move to have it returned to the regular roster.Buy this DVD today!!!

I have to agree with all the superlatives in the earlier reviews. One has to ask oneself WHY the opera is so compelling. The music is, well pedestrian would be a kind description. Still, I have to confess I went to the New York City opera's production of this (with Mr. Ramey in the title role) three times in a month.

The opera seems to be close to Mr. Ramey's heart. In many other operas he comes across as "wooden". In this one his acting matches his voice. He is totally involved in his role. I particularly appreciate his acting once he has sent Faust on an aerial voyage on his magic cloak.

This production is terrific. I have to echo the reveiwer who commented on the excellence of the chorus. I have only a few minor quibbles, hence the four rather than five stars. I did not care for the staging of the Walpurgisnacht scene, it should be a witches Sabbath and not a New Year's eve party. Also, in the final scene, Faust should be depicted as an old man.

Finally, as someone who loves the Italian language, but does not know it well, I am FURIOUS that there are no Italian subtitles. That could hardly have posed any difficulty. Arrigo Boito had already done the necessary groundwork.