Customer Reviews

Monteverdi - L'Incoronazione Di Poppea / Leppard, Ewing, Bailey, Duesing, Lloyd, Gale, Clarey, Glyndebourne

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

In addition to a large collection of (mostly) Baroque operas on CD, I have over 75 operas on DVD, some in more than one version, as well Monteverdi's other two operas on DVD, which are also incredible. But this recording of L'Incoronazione di Poppea takes the cake, whether in terms of the beauty of the music, the effectiveness of the staging and costumes, the quality of the acting and singing of the principals, or even the dramatic and literary intensity of the story. The video recording is a little old, so the picture is slightly grainy, but the sound quality (though only in Dolby stereo) is incomparable, the production and conducting without peer. I am quite sure I will still feel the same after viewing it ten or fifteen times, though so far I have only watched it twice. This is a must-buy for any lover of Baroque music, and it is one of the operatic masterpieces of all time. It should be included in every course in the history of opera.

Maria Ewing is at her best! This production is profound, well sung and well acted. Naturally, the music and sound quality are also wonderful. Opera fans and novices alike will marvel at this Glyndebourne Festival Opera performance. See the Roman Emperor Nero and his equally amoral lover, the seductive Poppea, as they tread upon all that is Good. Even the just philosopher Seneca cannot escape their evil machinations. A must-see for classicists, historians, opera fans and anyone else who enjoys high quality theatrical performance. The brief introduction and excellent subtitles help in making this production an unforgettable opera experience.

The Glyndebourne Festival Opera made this a magnificent production of L'Incoronazione di Poppea. Even if you're not an avid opera fan, you will find that both the music of Monteverdi and the staging of the opera by Glyndebourne will enthrall you. If you also happen to be interested in foreign languages, you have the added bonus of subtitles in French, German and Spanish, not to mention English. This recording is really spectacular. I've only had it a month and I'm afraid I'm going to wear it out because I keep playing certain segments over and over again. You'll be glad you purchased this one for your collection, I assure you.

Maria Ewing is as beautiful and sexy as everyone says, but she is not the only attraction! Several of the supporting cast are equally fine. Now I don't have a complete cast list--there is nothing on the package saying who plays Poppea's nurse, Arnalta, but whoever she is she's an abundant, beautiful mezzo. The sopranos who sing Drusilla, the Damigella, and Amore are also wonderful, as are the supporting tenors, who play Nero's singing buddy ("Cantia-a-a-a-a-am!") and the Valetto. Best of all is Robert Lloyd, who sings Seneca with seemingly-limitless depth, and gives the character all his irritating mannerisms.

The weaknesses include Dennis Bailey's hoarse-sounding Nero, and Cynthia Clarey's thin Ottavia. Ottone is sung by a baritone rather than by the more traditional countertenor.

The sets and costumes are traditional, although the acting is unusually sexy for this period. It's not just Ewing; the flirtatious scene between the Valetto and Damigella ("Sento un certo non so che...") is quite racy.

Monteverdi at his best.Excellent performances, and great singing.The staging is also apropriately gloomy, which gives an extra mood to the whole opera.Ewing is great as skinny Poppea,and Dennis Bailey with his lusty face fits excellently in the role of Nero-the crazy emperor. This production does it on both levels; acting and singing ,which are on the highest levels.

This is a wonderful production. I've watched it four times now, and like it more every time. I don't know what it is about Monteverdi's music that's so terrific...I love Baroque music, but the passion and feeling in this opera is amazing. Maria Ewing must be the slinkiest Poppea in operatic history. Highly recommended

Monteverdi didn't mentioned the instruments in his score, hence there is much room for interpretation.
Luckily, they decided not to be authentic and use modern instruments with all their depth, instead of shallow baroque instruments.

There is also no voice-type specification.
Nero most of the time is sung by a soprano without any good reason. Here he is sung by a tenor.
Poppea's nurse is commonly sung by a tenor (weird...), but here is sung by a strong female alto.

The singers have a dramatic background and are not specialist in the field of baroque opera.
It is actually an advantage!
Lloyd and Ewing stand out.

Even for me, who don't care much for Monteverdi, it was a pleasure to watch and hear.

Maria Ewing is a friend of mine. I have always been thrilled by her performances. This performance is no different. She is stunning as is the entire cast and production. This should be in every opera fans library. But, more importantly, this DVD would be a great tool to turn new fans on to opera and how exciting and informative it can be when done correctly! Brava and Bravo!!!