Here we have a performance on a grand scale with voices and direction to match. As indicated by the characters' names, the location is vaguely Sweden, but the production is no more sensitive to place or time than is the music. If there is little Italianita to be heard, the singing and drama more than compensates. Solti's direction and the performance of chorus and orchestra are admirable. Domingo provides a more contemplative Riccardo/Gustavo than usual, lending credibility to the last act. Barstow's Amelia sets a standard few contemporaries can approach. Nucci is wooden in voice and drama; Sumi Jo struggles for volume; Florence Quivar is less than threatening - but those are minor complaints against the excellences of the highly conventional but inventively detailed production.

The tenor bears the weight of this opera and sets its tone. Those seeking vocal exuberance may find one of Luciano Pavarotti's interpretations more suitable. For others, this will serve as a touchstone against which other recordings and performances are compared.

Related website: TDK Mediactive www.tdk-music.com

Michael Richter, 7 November 2005
mrichter@cpl.net

See also Michael Richter's Introduction to the DVD, for a list of other reviews see the DVD Project page.