Once in a while... This is an opera which deserves to be staged once in a while, and a DVD which is enjoyable enough to watch once. Rent it, don't buy it. Four stars for the opera within the canon of Donizetti's buffa. It's quite ingenious musically, the ensembles reaching par with Rossini, but there's no momentum or development, just one musical trick after another. Much the same might be said of the comic action, which is so much stock slapstick that the viewer has to choose to laugh out of courtesy. In short, it's not a great libretto but it makes for a better evening than Fox sit-coms. Likewise the performance: four stars, almost five, for making the best of an occasionally perfunctory score. The tenor Siragusa has a beautiful almost feminine voice, well suited to his role as a pampered wimp. His duet with Eva Mei is the musical highlight. Mei takes most of the first act to bring her voice up to pitch, but in the second and third act she sings gorgeously and presents her character effectively through her vocalization. Don Pasquale and Doctor Malatesta rumble through their patter skillfully. The balance of voices with orchestra is well handled acoustically, and the visuals are five-star throughout.
"A charming portray of Donizetti's loved buffa opera" This performance was taken from Cagliari Lyric Theatre live in 2002. The set and customs are traditional caring for every single detail resulting in a very effective accomplishment. As some other theatres around the world, the stage is kind of "transformer" being able to change from one scene to the next without moving the curtain, keeping audience tied to the action.
Friedrich Haider conduction is balanced and well leaded allowing both the orchestra and singers to breath without hurries. The behind the scenes bonus DVD gives a good view of his commitment and professionalism. The acclaimed Italian baritone Alessandro Corbelli who has lately raided in buffo bass roles is a very well characterized Pasquale (Even though I prefer a natural singing bass for this role like for instance Ruggero Raimondi or Paolo Montarsolo). Roberto de Candia was in charge of Doctor Malatesta with discrete participation and a good taste in his acting. Antonino Siragusa holds Ernesto's part with charm and wisdom, making his brief participation outstanding with his beautiful tone and an extraordinary easiness for the high register, his voice sounded clear and bright. One of the best Ernesto's I've heard. Eva Mei offers a nasty Norina her dressing hides her slight overweight so she looks like a real young girl. Vocally delivers a common sense in her singing style and good acting.
If you like the traditional set and customs (as I do) this one is for you, and at a very fair price.
Over-Done "Don..." I wanted so much to like this DVD of Donizetti's comic masterpiece, but was ultimately done in by the unrelenting mugging and stage business on display here. The director has absolutely no trust in the inherent comedy of the piece, but instead piles schtick upon schtick until his singers end up looking like Warner Bros. cartoon characters, their faces and bodies are so frantic and animated. Believe me when I say that every note is accompanied by a hand gesture or a facial tick or a roll of the eyes; Donizetti suffers as well as the viewer. If things had only been turned down a notch or two (or three) this could have been a keeper. Corbelli, Mei and DeCandia are all perfect for their roles and sing beautifully (Siragusa less so; he's no Juan Diego Florez), and this is one of the most gorgeous productions I've ever seen. The sets and costumes are both breathtakingly beautiful and clever, not an easy accomplishment. Too bad the stage director let his singers and designers (not to mention Donizetti) down in a such a momentous way.
Buy it! It puts a large burden upon me to know that I am the first to rate this item, given that I am not very eloquent. Don Pasquale is a wonderful comedy with lots of patter songs (fast singing, think Gilbert and Sullivan). The acting is fantastic in this production and I will never become tired of watching it over and over. The stage setting is also great and looks like much money has been splurged on it. Donizetti is always great whether in buffa or seria. I cannot think of anything negative with this item so do not think I am not being helpful. The story in short is about an old man who fancies a younger woman but the whole thing is in fact a set-up. It is delightful in nature and it even ends with a sense of bitter humor. Buy it!
Anything Goes Trivia
Trevor
Megaton Man
