Cyrano de Bergerac

Franco Alfano's 1936 adaptation of Edmond Rostand's Cyrano de Bergerac never became a classic, so this 2007 production filmed in Valencia, Spain, at the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía offers a rare and delightful opportunity to experience this opera. The title character demands the casting of a larger-than-life personality who can embody the droll wit, deep anguish, and indefatigable spirit of Rostand's celebrated swordsman. In this version, Plácido Domingo is more than equal to the task, offering an astonishing performance—with his strong physical presence and vocal mastery—that captures the full texture of Cyrano's complex personality, even rivaling classic cinematic interpretations by José Ferrer and Gérard Depardieu. Of course, trying to give the roles of Cyrano's worshipped-from-afar Roxane and her would-be-suitor Christian equal heft is another challenge, and while Sondra Radvanovsky and Arturo Chacón Cruz do an admirable job, both are stuck in permanent orbit around the title character, and wisely cede the stage to Domingo's powerhouse charisma. Patrick Fournillier's robust conducting of the Valencian Community Orchestra provides a vigorous interpretation of the score, while Michal Znaniecki's direction and stage design are both smart and pleasing. Presented in DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1, and stereo, this is highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)