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This is an opera about true and false feelings, emotional manipulation, and the striking of poses and attitudes by people who are "emotionally correct" the way many individuals and institutions today are politically correct. As the opera progresses, the attitudes of the two romantic heroes and their fiancées are gradually undermined, but they begin by saying and doing exactly what is expected of them, with results that are musically beguiling and, at the same time, very funny. In Act II, the emotion becomes real: the characters who were like puppets begin to shed true tears, and the comedy deepens into a serious statement about human fragility and the need to tolerate one another's weaknesses. These points are well made in a performance that is musically and theatrically polished, with particularly fine ensemble singing. There are six solo singers in
Cosi; all the roles have approximately the same importance but in this production, as in many others, the spotlight is often stolen by the maid Despina. Adelina Scarabelli is so good in the role that you wish her performances weren't so rare.
--Joe McLellan
Product Description
Here at last is a "Cosi" to cherish! Mozart's delicious comedy of manners receives a lavish treatment in this irresistible La Scala production. Masquerades, mistaken identities, mock suicides, and love won, lost, spurned, betrayed and won again propel the delightful plot. With a sure hand and a light touch, conductor Riccardo Muti guides the La Scala forces through one of Mozart's most complex and scintillating scores. The cast shines in a dazzling display of impeccable musicianship and superb ensemble singing.
