Premiering in Paris in 1838, Hector Berlioz’s first opera was a failure and has rarely been performed since. This 2015 production mounted by the Dutch National Opera is directed with enormous panache by Monty Python alumnus, animator, screenwriter, and filmmaker Terry Gilliam. In his hands, the stage (and at times the aisles) of the Stopera in Amsterdam is not only full of grandiose sets and colorful costumes but also positively exploding with activity. The effect is sometimes visually overwhelming, but it complements a score that brims with drama, bombast, and florid vocal demands. Mark Elder leads the Rotterdam Philharmonic in a vibrant reading that avoids the raucousness Berlioz sometimes invites, and the cast is outstanding. Tenor John Osborn brings a ringing tone to the titular sculptor who schemes to carry off his lover, Teresa (Mariangela Sicilia), during the Roman carnival, although her papal treasurer father, Balducci (Maurizio Muraro), wants to marry her off to Cellini’s rival, Fieramosca (Laurent Naouri). In the ensuing melee, Cellini kills Fieramosca’s friend Pompeo (André Morsch), but Pope Clement VII (Orlin Anastassov) will grant a pardon—and reward him with Teresa’s hand—if he finishes casting a huge bronze statue of Perseus. Valery Gergiev’s rival version from Salzburg (VL-9/11) is also well sung and conducted, but Gilliam’s staging—while undoubtedly gaudy—better reflects the 16th-century setting than Gergiev’s strangely futuristic visuals. Presented in DTS 5.1 and PCM stereo, this is highly recommended. (F. Swietek)
Benvenuto Cellini
(2015) 180 min. In French w/English subtitles. DVD: 2 discs, $29.99, Blu-ray: $29.99. Naxos (avail. from most distributors). Volume 33, Issue 5
Benvenuto Cellini
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