Verdi: Nabucco (Naples, 1997)
 

Cast: Renato Bruson (Nabucco), Lauren Flanigan (Abigaille), Carlo Colombara (Zaccaria), Monica Bacelli (Fenena), Maurizio Frusoni (Ismaele), Orchestra and Chorus of the Teatro San Carlo, Paolo Carignani (conductor) Fabio Sparvoli (director)

Recorded: 1997

Distributed by Image Entertainment in north America in 2000 ( 6933/NTSC Region 0/subtitles and menus in English)

Technical Details:
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
Sound: Dolby Digital Stereo 2.0

Running time: 132 minutes

Sung in Italian
 
Perhaps there is a general rule: when a smaller company strives greatly, it can achieve a sum greater than its parts. Certainly, that appears true in this Nabucco. Renato Bruson was past the stage when he could sing the title rôle, but faulty intonation and consistent declamation fall before dramatic commitment and experience. If the arrogant king at the beginning and the resolute one at the end are unpersuasive, the tormented king at the heart of the opera is unforgettable. Flanigan seems altogether unperturbed by the vocal demands of her 'killer' rôle. Colombara is a substantial find with his clear, resonant bass and Bacelli makes much of Fenena's few opportunities. If Frusoni is wooden and crude, his rôle is too brief to mar the production.
 
Of course, Nabucco depends critically on the chorus and this one is well trained and well recorded. Carignani's conducting is admirably crisp, particularly in enforcing the sforzandi without exaggerating the line. The orchestra has some weaknesses, notably in the lower strings, but once through the opening Sinfonia, they support the performance well. The production is impressive and effective. The stage is large and sets are appropriately massive framing the choral elements well, though at times soloists seem lost in the expanse. Video production is generally good but has both technical failings such as imprecise following of focus and also lapses of attention, particularly in transitions. Picture and sound are excellent throughout.
 
In all, this production makes clear why Nabucco was Verdi's breakthrough opera. Its dramatic impact is fully felt and the viewer is drawn into the excitement just as were the performers and the audience in the house.
 
Related websites:
 
Image Entertainment www.image-entertainment.com
 
Michael Richter, 2 October 2002
mrichter@cpl.net
 
See also Michael Richter's Introduction to the DVD, for a list of other reviews see the DVD Project page.