Donizetti: Linda di Chamounix (Zurich, 1996)

Cast: Edita Gruberova (Linda), Deon van der Walt (Carlo), Jacob Wilf (Marchese), László Polgár (Prefetto), Armando Ariostini (Antonio), Nadine Asher (Maddalena), Cornelia Kallisch (Pieretto); Chorus and Orchestra of Zurich Opera House, Adam Fischer (conductor), Daniel Schmid (director), Alf Bernhard-Leonard (video director)

Recorded at Zurich Opera House, September 1996

Issued on DVD by TDK Mediactive in 2003 in north America [DVUS OPLDC, NTSC/all regions, menus in English, optional subtitles in English, French, Spanish, Italian] and Europe [DV OPLDC PAL/all regions, menus in English, optional subtitles in English, French, Spanish, Italian, German]

Technical details
Aspect ratio 4:3
Sound PCM, AC3 Digital 5.1, DTS 5.1

Running time: 164 minutes

Sung in Italian
First and unquestionably, we should be thankful to have this major Donizetti work in a sound performance. Technically, the recording is visually disappointing but sonically acceptable. Musical direction is effective if uninspired. The production 'works' in the mountains with clever effects, but is confusing in the city, where mysterious and diverting comings and goings happen in the background, and conventional entrances and exits are effected through an inexplicable structure in the center of the stage.

The focus of the opera is its heroine, and here opinion will be sharply divided. Gruberova sings precisely, managing both the dramatic and florid elements with ease. For many, that will suffice. Those seeking characterization and expression are likely to be disappointed, as will those hoping for acting beyond stock postures and gestures. Our Pierrot and Prefetto show what can be done with sensitivity to the French and Italian roots of the score when the artists understand the idiom and have developed instruments to realize them. Van der Walt attempts both to sing the notes and to portray the character; he is successful in the former and comes perhaps as close as possible to the latter. Ariostini's substantial role is offered with enthusiasm instead of involvement; he should evoke compassion, but does not. Fortunately, Linda's mother is less prominent since Asher does not realize its potential at all. Will's Marchese seems taken from a different artform - perhaps vaudeville; the role is comic, but not caricature. Someone should have told him.

This recording may not do the opera full justice, but it does fill a significant gap in the catalog - given that Linda di Chamounix is a very fine, albeit unfamiliar work.

Related website:
TDK Mediactive www.tdk-mediactive.com
 
Michael Richter, 1 November 2003
mrichter@cpl.net
 
See also Michael Richter's Introduction to the DVD, for a list of other reviews see the DVD Project page.