Le Nozze di Figaro

Mozart's comic masterpiece blossoms in Stephen Medcalf's typically small-scaled but large-hearted production from England's Glyndebourne Festival. Figaro, the wily servant about to wed the maid Susanna, is sung with smooth tone and—when required—dramatic intensity by Gerald Finley, while Alison Hagley offers a light, nimble soprano as his intended. Naturally, the course of true love does not run smoothly here, and Andreas Schmidt is appropriately imperious as the couple's lascivious master, Count Almaviva, who intends to have his way with Susanna before the ceremony. Happily, the Countess, sung beautifully by Renée Fleming, is on hand to help the servants foil her husband's plans, and the supporting characters—love-struck page Cherubino; old maid Marcellina (who, with the help of her lawyer, Bartolo, hopes to snare Figaro for herself); and conniving music teacher Basilio—are equally strong (with Robert Tear outstanding as Basilio). When one adds the attractive period costumes, ingenious sets, and crisp performance of the London Philharmonic under Bernard Haitink, the result is one fine Figaro. The sole drawback is that the recording dates back to 1994, so the picture format for this remastered Blu-ray release is standard 4:3, while the sound is LPCM stereo. A hugely enjoyable performance of one of the world's most beloved operas, this is recommended. (F. Swietek)