Rossini: Tancredi (Trieste, 2003)

Cast: Daniela Barcelona (Tancredi), Mariola Cantarero (Amenaide), Charles Workman (Argerio), Nicola Ulivieri (Orbazzano), Sonia Zaramella (Isaura), Daniela Pini (Ruggiero), Teatro Lirico 'Giuseppe Verdi' Trieste, Paolo Arrivabeni (conductor), Massimo Gasparon (director)

Recorded at Teatro Lirico 'Giuseppe Verdi' Trieste in 2003

Issued on DVD by Kicco Classic in 2004 [KCOU 9004, NTSC/all regions, menus in English, optional subtitles in Italian, English, French]

Technical details:
Aspect ratio 4:3
Sound 5.1, PCM Stereo

Running time: 180 minutes

Sung in Italian
It is unfortunate that this recording of one of Rossini's most dramatic works is reduced to a correct, tedious, academic exercise. Completeness is a virtue for the student, but does not suffice for one seeking a theatrical experience. First responsibility must go to Arrivabeni who holds the forces together, but manages no more.

Barcelona's vocalism cannot be faulted, but it is sterile; only the text will identify whether she is the returning hero or the frustrated lover. Cantarero is similarly uninvolved vocally, and many will be displeased with the quality of her instrument. Workman is well named - he is fully occupied with the technical demands of his role and must be congratulated on managing most of them, though with apparent effort. Only Ulivieri has a voice which is of significant interest and his rôle lacks dimensions to justify the recording.

The production is a simplified, slightly modernized (and, presumably, relatively inexpensive) staging with basic sets and elaborate costumes. Riotous movements and vibrant colors could not mask the static presentation; if one did not know the opera, one might blame Rossini and Rossi. Video is crisp and true; sound seems slightly muffled in stereo and no better in 5.1, where - as usual - surround contributes nothing significant during the performance.
 
Related website:
Kicco Music: www.kiccomusic.com/
Michael Richter, 23 October 2004
mrichter@cpl.net
 
See also Michael Richter's Introduction to the DVD, for a list of other reviews see the DVD Project page.