15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A good Tosca with an outstanding Scarpia, October 18, 2004
This review is from: Puccini - Tosca / Dessi, Armiliato, Raimondi, Benini, Madrid Opera (DVD)
This is a very good Tosca. Dessi is a little shrill but otherwise good and a good actor. Her real life husband Armiliato is very good. Where has this man been hiding? Good actor as well. But the show belongs to Raimondi who exudes evil and menace as Scarpia. Benini gives us a fairly slow performance which allows us to luxuriate in Puccini's melodies. The ochestral sound is quite thrilling in DTS. The production is on the lame side. They have made Scarpia a church figure although what kind is hard to say. Certainly a cardinal or bishop would not wear pants but a surplice. The settings are quite dark. You never do get a good glimpse of Scarpia's palace. But at least nothing interferes with this wonderful performance. Probably that best Tosca one could hope for today.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Entertaining Tosca!, May 13, 2010
I purchased this Tosca based on the two reviews posted herein and am certainly not sorry! This is a very entertaining Tosca due to the excellent singing and acting. I liked some of the sets but also found the lighting too dark to appreciate the production. It also was disappointing to see her jump through the trapdoor in the stage at the end but I liked it enough that I overlooked this production flaw. Dessi and hubbie Armiliato certainly have chemistry performing together (like their Girl of the Golden West too). Raimondi is superb in whatever role he performs and seeing him in this Tosca proves the reason he was chosen for Scarpia for the world wide live telecast of several years ago with Domingo and Malfitano. I have many Toscas on DVD because I really love this opera and certainly glad I added this one to the mix. The movie is still my favorite but the Verona edition with Marton is in 2nd place. The Alagnas' and this Tosca are in 3rd. Highly recommend this for an excellent Tosca.
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6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent production, brilliant singing, masterful acting!, February 22, 2008
This review is from: Puccini - Tosca / Dessi, Armiliato, Raimondi, Benini, Madrid Opera (DVD)
This "Tosca" is a pure joy for the eyes and the ears. Daniella Dessi, Fabio Armiliato, and Ruggero Raimondi form the cast of fascinating principal characters. Director Nuria Espert has created an original environment where power, love, desire, and revenge intertwine in many ways. Dessi's Tosca is a true Diva--simultaneously flirtacious and somewhat enchanted by Scarpia. Armiliato's Cavaradossi is a sunny soul with a good heart and lots of love for the Diva. Baron Scarpia is brilliantly portrayed by Raimondi whose magnetic presence is felt in even the smallest of sounds and exchanges. His Scarpia is a powerful man, reserved and yet sensual, highly emotional and torn by contradictions.
The chemistry between the characters is palpable and present in every word and gesture, which makes this "Tosca" one of the most exciting and beautiful experiences you can have.
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