The title of this star-studded 1996 benefit concert from the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden—attended by Prince Charles—isn't quite accurate, since the program includes duets as well as solos, not to mention Lehar's Gold und Silber, a voiceless waltz. But this will appeal to fans of Placido Domingo, who dominates the proceedings here, singing an aria from Massenet's Le Cid, as well as duets by Gounod (Faust), Donizetti (L'elisir d'amore) and Mascagni (L'amico Fritz), with Robert Lloyd, Leontina Vaduva, and Veronica Villarroel, and Là ci darem from Mozart's Don Giovanni together with Susan Graham (even though the part was written for baritone, not tenor). In addition, Domingo even conducts the Lehar waltz (somewhat squarely, it must be said). Other artists making appearances here include Angela Gheorghiu, Roberto Alagna, Dwayne Croft, and Lillian Watson, while additional composers represented include Bizet (Carmen), Halévy (La Juive), and Richard Strauss (Der Rosenkavalier). Viewers will also hear a piece written by Theodor Grigoriu for an obscure 1959 Romanian film entitled Valurile Dunarii, as well as a song, “Tu ca nun chiagne,” by Italian composer Ernesto de Curtis. Presented in LCPM stereo, Great Opera Arias is a reasonably engaging vocal potpourri that will be of special interest to fanciers of Domingo's considerable artistry. Recommended, overall. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)
Great Opera Arias
(1996) 89 min. DVD: $19.99. Kultur International Films. ISBN: 978-0-7697-0703-7. Volume 24, Issue 2
Great Opera Arias
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