Damiano Michieletto deserves kudos for daring to take a different approach in this 2013 Salzburg Festival staging of Verdi's operatic adaptation of The Merry Wives of Windsor. Here, the setting is an extended dream by a resident of Casa Verdi—a home founded by Verdi for elderly singers and musicians—who imagines that he is Sir John Falstaff. Casa Verdi is turned into the ribald world of Shakespearean comedy, complete with ample servings of wine, and many comely lasses in tight-fitting gowns. Although an interesting concept, the action onstage often seems at odds with the specific setting of Shakespeare's romp. But even if the modern-day realignment doesn't totally click, the full-throttle fury of the Vienna Philharmonic under Zubin Mehta's leadership brings the rich playfulness of Verdi's music to vibrant life. And it is impossible not to fall under the charismatic sway of Ambrogio Maestri's oversized exuberance as the hedonistic Falstaff, who grabs at every drink, every female waist, and every syllable of Arrigo Boito's libretto with a zest for life that is truly intoxicating. Presented in DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1, and PCM stereo on DVD, and DTS-HD 5.0 and PCM stereo on Blu-ray, this is recommended. (P. Hall)
Falstaff
(2013) 125 min. DVD: $29.99, Blu-ray: $39.99. EuroArts/Unitel Classica (dist. by Naxos of America). Volume 30, Issue 2
Falstaff
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