World Famous Comics: Gino Quilco Rossini: Il Barbiere di Siviglia (The Barber of Seville)/ Bartoli, G. Quilico, Kuebler, Feller, R. Lloyd; Ferro/Schwetzingen Festival
Gino Quilco Rossini: Il Barbiere di Siviglia (The Barber of Seville)/ Bartoli, G. Quilico, Kuebler, Feller, R. Lloyd; Ferro/Schwetzingen Festival
Description: Rossini was 24 years old when in 1816 he wrote his seventeenth opera and most renowned "buffa", The Barber of Seville, in barely three weeks. The accompanying recording is from the 1988 Schwetzinger Festspiele. The production by Michael Hampe, director of the Cologne Opera at that time, is distinguished by humorous direction of movement which never degenerated into slapstick. It aimed for a high tempo and abandoned the alienation effect to allow for an increasing exuberance in performance by the protagonists. Ezio Frigerios’s stage settings are equally as appealing to the eye as Mauro Pagano’s costumes, whose design consciously strengthens the comic impact of the characters. Resounding from the orchestra pit is an exceptionally defined, coherent and graceful performance of Rossini’s composition. Gabriele Ferro appreciates how to effect subtle differentiations and in so doing strikes an ideal balance between the orchestra and the stage. The choir ensemble is first class, led by an irresistible Cecilia Bartoli.
Spirited and charming This is a sprightly and riotous take on The Barber. Its charm lies in the smooth integration of music, acting, and sets. It is there to entertain, and it sure does!
I am generally not a fan of `traditional' performances as the sets tend to be cluttered and the costumes unsexy. Or maybe it is just that many male singers look unappealing in tights... Whatever the usual problem may be, it is not present here. The singing honours do go to Cecilia Bartoli--not just for her impressive vocal abilities but equally for the uncanny temperamental match between the music and the performer. It feels as if Rossini wrote the part for her. But even more delightful is the even-keeled execution of the recording. No one singer is set up as the main 'star' and all get their well-deserved close-ups. They all have to play well together, and they do. In addition to the good chemistry between Rosina and the three men around her, the performance excites with a lovable ham of a Figaro, an appropriately handsome Almaviva (even in tights), plenty of playful camaraderie between those two, and, last but not least, a brilliantly acted Bartolo. Carlos Feller's portrayal of the buffoon is so hilarious it almost steals the show. All in all, great fun.
Bartoli in "Il Barbiere" This Barber stars Cecilia Bartoli as Rosina, Robert Lloyd as Basilio, Carlos Feller as Bartolo, David Kuebler as Almaviva, with Gabriele Ferro conducting. I really enjoyed it, but would caution some of the purists that it contains some minor cuts, such as at the end of the opera, they've dropped the scene where Bartolo wishes Rosia and the Count happiness, and also, Fiorello's recitativo prior to "Una Voce Poco Fa" is dropped. I really like s Carlos Feller as Bartolo; he reminds me a bit of Fernando Corena on the RCA CD set from 1958 conducted by Leinsdorf. In this DVD, Feller's character is funny and clueless, especially in the scene where Figaro shaves him and he catches on to the trick being played on him. Gabriele Ferro did nery wellwith this one; I've got his on CDs of "La Cenerentola" and "L'Italiana in Algeri. Bartoli was very young when this recording was made, but is right on the button with the role. You'll love it.
A Wonderful Introduction to Opera I have enjoyed classical music for most of my life but I have never had exposure to opera. A new neighbor is very involved and she lent me a copy of this performance. I was hooked from the outset!! I suppose the purist might find fault with the presentation or a particular performer but I have viewed this several times and have been equally entertained in each case. I heartily endorse all the positive comments made in earlier reviews. All of the performers seem to be enjoying their time together and do a wonderful job. I particularly enjoy Robert Lloyd's La calunnia and Gino Quilico's Largo Al Factotum. This was a wonderful introduction to a new world of music!
Rossini- Barber of Seville It is a fairly old recording and aside from Bartoli the rest is not worth much.
A Must Own Five Star 'Barber' 'The Barber of Seville' - fast, fun, and, at times, frenetic, is well deserving of its title as the greatest opera buffa ever composed. When I was searching for a DVD of my favorite opera, there were quite a few choices available; this was the one I picked, despite being familiar with only one of the performers, Bartoli. I wasn't disappointed. This is a great `Barber,' that captures the energy and humor of both the story and score. When it comes to the `Barber,' I prefer a traditional staging, rather than a modernized, contemporary, conceptual, or experimental avant-garde one. This is a traditional production and proves the adage of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."
The costumes, although neutral, (greys, black, and beige), are perfect; especially Figaro's "Spanish dandy" attire, complete with snood, as described in the original Beaumarchais play notes. Kudos to referencing the original source material. It almost seems as if the neutral tones of the costumes and sets was a deliberate decision, in order to allow the performers and music to provide the real color, which is abundant and full of infectious verve.
There is a lot of movement in this production, which compliments the score, and the cast is nimble, making extensive use of numerous props, but without any of the actions feeling forced or unnatural, nor distracting attention away from the vocals, which are excellent. A perfect example is when Figaro, while chatting with Rosina, warms a `curling iron' over the flame of a candle, prior to dressing her hair. The performers, especially the trio of attractive, youthful (looking) leads, act, rather than remain static, as they sing or deliver their recitatives; the cast has a well established rhythm and seem to be truly enjoying themselves, making it all the more enjoyable for the viewer.
Bartoli gives us a charming Rosina, displaying the character's winsomeness, coyness, slyness, and determination. Her "Contro un cor," aria, in the second act, is simply lovely. Quilico is a solid Figaro and really embodies the crafty, titular character, although, on a few occasions, overplays a bit, yet when "playing it straight," so to speak, he's great to watch. Kuebler, as Almaviva, is wonderful, expertly conveying the Count's lovesick nature (and the hilarious lengths he'll go to to win his Rosina). His "Ecco ridente," is delivered in a bright, ringing tenor, and his acting skills, as well as comedic timing, are superb. He's almost chameleonic, so different is his body language and timber of voice in the beginning of the second act, as the fidgety Don Alonso, (a nice contrast to the `drunk' soldier at the end of act one, also wonderfully played). Feller's Bartolo is not presented as a buffoon; he's ever watchful and suspicious and, quibbles aside on the "A un dottor" aria, he makes a fine antagonist.
A previous reviewer commented on the smallness of the venue; this works quite well, actually. There is a more intimate feel and the smaller stage increases the sense of claustrophobia, making us more sympathetic to Rosina's plight, and convinces us of the difficulty the two lovers encounter when attempting to engage in a tête à tête or steal a kiss, helping the viewer to become emotionally invested in their affaire de coeur.
Apart from occasional moments when it's difficult to hear the performers on one side of the stage (either due to miccing or mixing issues) and a few errors in the subtitles (act one for instance; Almaviva's "avanti, avanti," - "retire, retire" to the musicians is translated incorrectly, making Kuebler's dismissive wave seem out of place) this is a must have performance DVD. For me, it has more than paid for itself through innumerable viewings; I never grow tired of it. My only regrets are that it is not presented in widescreen format and that no audio CD is available. If you're looking for a fun, traditional version, with laugh out loud moments, or if you're just beginning to explore the world of opera, this is the 'Barber' to add to your collection.
Anything Goes Trivia
Megaton Man
Tailipoe
Trevor
