47 of 48 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Glorious production of a Mozart masterpiece!, September 30, 2001
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.
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37 of 38 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderfully done!, December 9, 2002
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!!
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26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
An almost perfect Nozze di Figaro, January 24, 2003
By A Customer
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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