Most Helpful Customer Reviews
51 of 54 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Early Verdi at its best!, February 8, 2000
This review is from: Verdi - Ernani / James Levine, The Metropolitan Opera (DVD)
George Bernard Shaw described Ernani as Verdi's most intense opera, and in this rendition, all of the musical and visual elements of the work that so pleased the irascible Shaw come together marvelously. Who better to conduct it than James Levine, today's best interpreter of Verdi, and considered by many to be the heir to Toscanini. Young and still vocally secure, Pavarotti sings with boldness and color, with few of the extra syllables which mar so much of his middle years. Milnes, in the manner of Leonard Warren, is perfect in the role of Carlo and Leona Mitchell, while not quite the Verdian as Leontyne Price, fully realizes her part. Considering that this is a 1983 recording, this DVD shows how well the medium captures both the visual and musical elements of opera in general and Ernani in particular. A standing ovation for such a grand performance of a grand opera! And by the way, for folks who think that Verdi didn't hit his stride until Rigoletto, here is the proof of how truly great his earlier works are.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Pavarotti excites as Ernani in Met alternative Version, June 7, 2005
This review is from: Verdi - Ernani / James Levine, The Metropolitan Opera (DVD)
James Levine and his met forces offer us a performancer of 'Ernani' that includes revisions Verdi made to the score after its Venice premiere. He added a cabaletta to Silva's aria that was taken from an alternative aria he wrote for his first opera 'Oberto'. The bass part of Silva was considered a secondary role because his aria had no cabaletta. Consequently star basses used to have the baritone role of Don Carlo transposed to bass register. Verdi inserted the cabaletta into the opera to discourage the practice. Furthermore in Act II Verdi wrote a new aria to act as finale to the Act. This was done at the behest of Rossini who wanted a bravura aria to showcase the talent of his protege Nicolai Ivanov. Both Ruggero Raimondi as Silva and Luciano Pavarotti as Ernani justify their inclusion in this performance. Elsewhere in the performance Pavarotti sings with lovely melting tone and Raimondi strikes one as an utterly driven Silva. Leona Mitchell as Elvira sings securely as Elvira even if she is not as dramatically compelling as Mirella Freni for Riccardo Muti in La Scala. Similarly Sherrill Milnes yields dramatic points to the incomparable Renato Bruson, yet delights by his firm top notes and ease with which he sings his music. By virtue of the variants described above this performance should be seen as a supplement to instead of an alternative to the Muti performance
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good in every way., May 2, 2001
By A Customer
This review is from: Verdi - Ernani / James Levine, The Metropolitan Opera (DVD)
Outstanding in almost every way. The staging is impressive, the costumes are attractive. The singing is superlative. The public may be most interested in Pavarotti, but the real winner here is Sherrill Milnes. He is an intense and noble figure throughout. His third act aria is the opera's highlight, in my opinion, where he reaches a powerful Ab. Raimondi is also outstanding. I was so happy that his cabaletta was not cut out, and, was not cut at all: Both verses are performed. In fact, Verdi lovers will rejoice that this performance is complete. There is an alternate tenor aria included as well. Purchase without hesitation, for this is a winner. Dana Hill
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
|
