Cheap Gounod - Romeo et Juliette / Mackerras, Alagna, Vaduva, Royal Opera Covent Garden (DVD) (Brian Large) Price
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| CATEGORY: | DVD |
| DIRECTOR: | Brian Large |
| THEATRICAL RELEASE DATE: | 1994 |
| MANUFACTURER: | Kultur Video |
| MPAA RATING: | NR (Not Rated) |
| FEATURES: | Classical, Color, Full Screen, NTSC |
| TYPE: | Classical, Musical Features, Musicals (Theatrical), Opera / Operetta / Oratorio, Performing Arts - Opera |
| MEDIA: | DVD |
| # OF MEDIA: | 1 |
| UPC: | 032031149397 |
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Customer Reviews of Gounod - Romeo et Juliette / Mackerras, Alagna, Vaduva, Royal Opera Covent Garden
A second-tier opera gets a first class performance This is a superb production, sumptuously staged and sung with passion throughout. The young Alagna sings beautifully with an exquisite sense of lyricism and dynamics. He won an Olivier award for his performance and it was well-deserved. Vaduva is a memorable Juliette: she captures the awkwardness and coltishness of an adolescent girl overcome with passion and not quite knowing how to handle it until it's too late. Their emotions are almost palpable and the final scene is truly heartwrenching. Both singers tend to veer slightly off pitch at times but hey, this is a live performance and I much prefer them to the CD versions. Francois Le Roux is a carefree, careless Mercutio and Anna Maria Panzerella gets the Wasted Mezzo award for her superb portrayal of the page Stephano. Nicolas Joel's direction never gets out line although there are some curious omissions (Romeo and Juliet don't kiss at their first meeting; Mercutio asks Romeo, 'Why did you come between us?' in the duel scene; Romeo is at the other end of the stage.). Sir Charles Mackerras gives a lyrical and passionate account of the score. We discovered this video after a thoroughly disappointing production in Cincinnati and what a wonderful antidote it was. Don't waste your time on the one hour version that was shown in 2002 on PBS with Alagna and Gheorghiu--this is the real thing. <
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Wonderful!
This is one of my favorites. The sets are a bit drab (I don't understand the constant blue lighting), but the performances from the singers make up for it. All of the supporting roles are well sung, but it is Romeo and Juliet that make this a production to remember.
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>Alagna is in fine voice -- his "Ah! leve-toi, soleil!" is magnificent. As the opera goes on, his voice can be unsteady and a bit out of tune at times, but overall this is a very good performance. His acting is also very believable, as is Vaduva's. They both look and act the part. Vaduva's voice is somewhat strained at times, but for the majority of the time she sings the part well. Together, Alagna and Vaduva are captivating to watch. The tomb scene especially will bring tears to your eyes.
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>The combination of Gounod's achingly beautiful music and the fine singing/acting make this a treat to experience. 4 stars.
It Doesn't Get Better!
I've just ordered this DVD after watching it on PBS. I'm an opera tenor myself and not always enamored with Roberto Alagna. But he does an absolutely superb job here, and Vaduva matches and balances him perfectly. Their acting, right down to their dual deaths at the end, is natural and not contrived as many operas seem. I've heard, seen, and sung in many operas around the world, but it really doesn't get better than this!