Though it has other virtues and some drawbacks, this release is amply justified by the stunning performance of Stefania Bonfadelli. Her Lucia is warm and human. One cares about her plight, wishing to rescue her from an all too convincing madness. The voice is fine, more satisfying for many than others who have made the character real (Callas, Scotto) though not spectacular in the style of the canaries who have undertaken the rôle as vocal display.

The production has some excellent ideas but some inconsistencies with the score; for example, Lucia dies before she is to be led away. The sets are simplified, the costumes eminently Scottish. The edition is complete, giving us the essential Wolf's Crag scene but also the absurd accusation of Normanno. Fournillier wields an accomodating baton but puts no special color or flavor into the mix. The other singers have the notes but Álvarez is mechanical and Frontali wooden, the more so in contrast with Bonfadelli. There is unintentional humor in details, as when Edgardo's shadow does not move with Álvarez or when a closeup reveals Lucia's 'corpse' fluttering its eyelids. Were it not for the Lucia, this would be a routine performance with good ideas and fair execution. With Bonfadelli, it is an often exciting and inspiring one.

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

Michael Richter, 24 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.