Prokofiev: War and Peace (Paris, 2000)

Cast: Olga Guryakova (Natalia), Nathan Gunn (André), Robert Brubaker (Pierre), Anatoli Kotcherga (Kotusov), Elena Obraztsova (Maria), Vassili Gerello (Napoléon), L'Opéra National de Paris, Gary Bertini (conductor), Francesca Zambello (director), François Roussillon (video director)

Recorded at the Bastille (Paris) in 2000

Issued on DVD by TDK Mediactive in 2003 [DV-OPWP, PAL/all regions, menus in English, optional subtitles in English, German, French, Spanish, Italian]

Technical details
Aspect ratio 16:9
Sound PCM Stereo, AC3 5.0, DTS 5.0 (reviewed in stereo)

Running time: 210 minutes

Sung in Russian
This performance is an intriguing complement to, and contrast with, the Mariinsky under Gergiev. The beautiful production and the admirable playing and singing are romantic and low-key in contrast with the frenetic pace and startling staging from St. Petersburg. It is not surprising, then, that this recording is more effective in Part I and the finale of Act II but offers less impact in the bulk of Act II.

Bertini demonstrates love for the richness of the score; his orchestra, chorus and supporting soloists share his enthusiasm and deliver with beauty and lyricism. Impeccable video and audio realize the concept. Guryakova retains youthful innocence throughout and sings luminously. Gunn is somewhat taxed by the upper range; his acting is a bit more intense than ideal for the production. Brubaker's Pierre shows more intelligence than is common, thereby providing a glue to integrate the work. Unfortunately, he tires toward the end of the lengthy role. Kotcherga is physically imposing but lacks a measure of authority in his manner and his voice; perhaps his effort at the extremes of the range is a factor. Obraztsova is fine, but Gerello does not convey the authority of the Emperor.

Overall, we are fortunate to have two excellent DVDs of this epic. Either is likely to make the viewer a devotee - hence, a customer for the other.
 
Related website:
TDK Mediactive www.tdk-mediactive.com
 
Michael Richter, 17 February 2004
mrichter@cpl.net
 
See also Michael Richter's Introduction to the DVD, for a list of other reviews see the DVD Project page.