Customer Reviews

The Opera Gala [Blu-ray]

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

 

 

Once again the Blu-ray format has brought new life and impact to a classical concert. Both the picture and sound are stunning - whether you select the DTS or PCM soundtracks you will not be disappointed. The added resolution and colour definition make the picture really come alive. The singers and orchestra both perform without fault. However, the program itself is quite acceptable, but definitely not inspired.
This recording has three shortcomings which prevented me from giving it a 5-star rating. First, the camera work leaves a lot to be desired. There is definitely too much zooming - in some concerts this would not be a problem but for this kind of material it is quite distracting. This is not the best example of TV direction -- while it may be considered acceptable in some circles it definitely does not enhance the overall impact in this kind of venue. Secondly, the subtitles are often difficult to read against a white background - I cannot understand why they cannot impose these on a grey background to improve readability. And thirdly, there are some odd camera angles and as in other discs I have reviewed the camera does not stay on the singers when they are actually singing - it often cuts away to the orchestra or audience and all the viewer sees is the singer's back. Too often, the camera zooms in or out from the singer. Surely TV directors should realize that overuse of zooms and cutaways is not acceptable or artistic in a recording of this kind from a prestigious company like DG.

This opera gala from Baden Baden features four great singers: Anna Netrebko · Elina Garanca · Ramón Vargas · Ludovic Tézier. They sing many popular opera arias including "Mon coeur s'ouvre à ta voix" from Samson et Dalila (Camille Saint-Saëns) and Flower Duet from Lakmé (Delibes), the latter of which I think is a great bonus because it is hardly seen in any live concert DVDs or blu-rays. All the singers performed very nicely. Mr. Vargas's rendition of the Donizetti's aria from "L'elisir d'amore" was excellent and impressive. Most of all, however, Netrebko was the hightlight of the show. When she performed the Lehar's aria from "Giuditta" particularly, she revealed all her passion and energy with her singing and even dancing. It was so fun, funny and entertaining moment! It showed what the best part of a live concert is. To me, this 6 minute performance alone makes this blu-ray worth getting and owning. If you have the blu-ray or DVD, The Berlin Concert Live from the Waldbühne featuring Domingo, Villazón and Netrebko, you will notice that there are some overlapped songs as a reviewer mentioned. It was actually fun for me to compare them each other by different singers and rendition.

I enjoyed the concert and just hoped that more live concert blu-rays would be released.

I got the normal version of that concert when it was launched in the market and now I have got the Blu ray version to get, if possible the better, option to enjoy so great and unique concert.With the 7 separate audio channels of the blu-ray experience the sound is close to perfection.

Obviously you have to be an Opera fan to appreciate these segments. Ramon Vargas is absolutely top notch and the rest of them fill in very well. My only objection is that the camera moves a bit too much instead of stying more focused on the artists. The sound is excellent, would recommend it to anyone who loves Operas. Daniel from Mexico City.

As my title notes, this is a keeper. One of the greatest opera concerts (not opera productions, but staged concerts) ever recorded. Anna Netrebko and Elina Garanca in the "Dome epais, le jasmin" duet from Delibes Lakme that will raise the hair on your neck and put a lump in your throat. Ramon Vargas and Ludovic Tezier sing the "au fond du temple saint" duet from Bizet's Pearl Fishers as well as it has ever been done (esp. the boyish-faced Vargas in the lead). And then there is Garanca primping and preening (vocally and theatrically) in the tavern scene from Rigoletto. And then there are the encores (five by my count), started off spicily enough by the hot-tamale Netrebko dancing her part (not pretending to dance, but dancing!) and throwing flowers to the men in the audience. But I better stop before I can't. Netrebko is a true prima donna assoluta, the greatest of the great for our era, but she is more than a disembodied voice. She has (vocal and operatic) star-power to die for, to put Angelina Jolie or Sharon Stone in the shade. This disk is a potentially life-changing event, as all of the greatest art always is. Enthusiastically recommended (especially in Blu-Ray, with its far superior picture and sound--something that is not usually recognized: you've never heard a DVD this beautiful!)

This is a Must to Have piece for all Opera Lovers especially for those who has Blu ray player with HD TV.

For those of us who like a recorded concert, this is a beautiful recording, the singers well known, the music well known to all and the images in perfect resolution. It is very enjoyable. Only one problem: a concert in Berlin in 2006 (both with Marco Armiliato as Conductor)was also released this year by Deutsche Gramophone in Bluray and the program of this Disc has many of the same repertoire as the Berlin one. Even the Traviata's Brindisi with the glasses of champagne at the end of the program is the same. I have nothing against repeating a repertoire, in particular a successful one, when concerts are given in different cities, but when recordings are sold worldwide; the repetition diminishes the impact of it. The operatic repertoire is vast enough to choose from.