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Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
The Marriage of Figaro, as this elegant 1994 production brilliantly reminds us, was a French bedroom comedy before it became a Mozart opera. It is a classic of French literature, and it is still enjoyable as a spoken play after more than two centuries of existence. Its literary quality gives this production a special flavor. The music--some of Mozart's finest--is beautifully presented by a carefully chosen international cast (including Giovanni Furlanetto, Elzbieta Szymtka, Janice Watson, and Ludovic Tezier), but what sets this production apart is its theatrical flavor, cultivated by a director who is an expert on classic French theater. The standards of spoken theater are upheld in timing, body language, the inflection of punch lines. These qualities are more important here than in most operas; style is both crucial and elusive. Fortunately, the Opera de Lyon, one of most imaginative companies in Europe, shows an impressive sense of style. --Joe McLellan
Product Description
This acclaimed production by the former actor and director Jean-Pierre Vincent is infused with a real knowledge and understanding of Beaumarchais and da Ponte and is entirely faithful to the spirit of Mozart's immensely popular, vivacious amorous intrigue. Set in the eighteenth century, the subtly stylized stage designs by artist Jean Paul Chambas recreate the age of enlightenment with a Spanish flavor. Giovanni Furlanetto's Figaro is beautifully musical and well-acted, capturing all the gaiety, grace, goodwill and optimism of the part. Elzbieta Szmytka is a lively, natural and commanding Susanna. Vincent's exceptional production of Mozart's incomparable masterpiece is a spectacularly theatrical and musical experience. 193 minutes, with English subtitles.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
47 of 48 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Glorious production of a Mozart masterpiece!,
By David (North Carolina, USA) - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Mozart - Le nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro) / Jean-Pierre Vincent · Paolo Olmi - G. Furlanetto · Szymtka - Opéra National de Lyon (DVD)
I had great expectations for this Nozze di Figaro, and after my first viewing, my high expectations have all been exceeded. This is a Nozze to treasure, as it is a magnificent performance from start to finish. Giovanni Furlanetto's singing and acting are superb as Figaro--yet I have nothing but admiration and praise for everyone in the cast. The singers have a real understanding of Mozart's characters, and they truly bring them to life in a way that I have rarely seen. There are absolutely no weak links in the cast despite many names that may be unfamiliar to most viewers. This DVD is truly a jewel, and its visual and sound quality are excellent. It preserves a beautiful and very special performance of one of the greatest operas ever written. I cannot imagine any fan of Mozart or opera not being greatly pleased with this DVD, and without reservation I rank it among the best I have ever seen.
36 of 37 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderfully done!,
By "jgarcia112" (NJ United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Mozart - Le nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro) / Jean-Pierre Vincent · Paolo Olmi - G. Furlanetto · Szymtka - Opéra National de Lyon (DVD)
This is a very fine Figaro, and probably the best version currently available on DVD. Technically, the DVD is very good, with a clear sharp picture and good sound (it was recorded in 1994). The sets are also very nice - vibrant and colorful, suggesting a sunny mediterranian setting. The performance is excellent both in terms of singing and orchestral playing. The Lyon Opera Orchestra is a technically suberb ensemble with convincing leadership in conductor Paolo Olmi. His interpretation is full of spirit, and he seems to find an ideal middle road in terms of performance style - tempos are lively, but never pushed to uncomfortable speeds, and slower arias are geven their full breadth without ever becoming heavy, slow or marmoreal. Clarity between strings and woodwinds is exemplary. The youthful, attractive cast is just as good. While none of them were previously known to me, they all turned out to be secure singers and very good actors who become convincingly involved in their roles. I found the roles of the Count and Figaro to be especially well done. I was a little less enamoured of the Susanna and Contessa both of whom are very good, while not being excellent. Cherubino is also top-notch - the singer portraying the role sings and acts wonderfully, and looks more convincingly like a teenage boy than any other production I have ever seen. Truth be told, I did not expect to enjoy this Figaro as much as I did given my unfamiliarity with the cast and conductor. But now having seen it I'm VERY glad I decided to take a chance and buy it. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, but those looking for a good Figaro on DVD can buy this one with confidence - It really is superb... Enjoy!!
26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
An almost perfect Nozze di Figaro,
By A Customer
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Mozart - Le nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro) / Jean-Pierre Vincent · Paolo Olmi - G. Furlanetto · Szymtka - Opéra National de Lyon (DVD)
Singing and acting are without fault, often exciting, right for Mozart's grand music and for da Ponte's score. The orchestra also excels, playing the glorious music while leaving the lead to the singers when it should. As an earlier reviewer noted, the casting with young singers/actors makes the proceedings seem credible and logical - the cast truly brings music and plot to life! The viewer needs not look at obese aging stars cast in young roles: there is no need to be "sophisticated" and look beyond that kind of directorial transgression if not travesty. Unfortunately, the staging - scenery and costumes - is spartan and, with few exceptions, neither true to the 18th century nor, to my taste, pleasing to the eye. Also to my taste, it is perilously close to a hypermodern approach that may fit some situations but, please, not Mozart and not Figaro! In sum, this Figaro is delightful to the ear but a mixed experience for the eye. I rate it A- overall, with an A+ in all areas except staging - which rates a D+
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