Although a triumph in its day, the popularity of Vincenzo Bellini's 1830 opera about Romeo and Juliet has since waned—perhaps because it is not based on Shakespeare but rather earlier versions of the tale, opening with the star-crossed pair already in love but kept apart by the fact that Romeo has killed Giulietta's brother and her father has consequently betrothed the distraught girl to Tebaldo. Divergence from the familiar makes this 2014 production from the San Francisco Opera quite welcome, particularly since musically it is extremely strong, with Joyce DiDonato spectacular in the trousers role of Romeo and Nicole Cabell her equal as Giulietta (their duets exhibit extraordinarily beautiful vocalism). The supporting cast is also excellent, with tenor Saimir Pirgu an outstanding Tebaldo, while Riccardo Frizza conducts the house orchestra in a lush, sensitive reading of the score. Unfortunately, the physical production suffers somewhat, with Vincent Lemaire's strange sets featuring stairs that impede easy movement, a sink that Giulietta must stand in while delivering an aria, and saddles hanging from wires for no particular reason. Christian Lacroix's costumes are no better, with the chorus in drab suits and stovepipe hats and Giulietta wearing what looks like a cocktail dress. Presented in DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1, and PCM stereo on DVD, and DTS-HD 5.1 and PCM stereo on Blu-ray, extras include interviews with DiDonato and Cabell. Based on the superb singing, this is recommended. (F. Swietek)
I Capuleti e I Montecchi
(2014) 135 min. DVD: $34.99, Blu-ray: $39.99. EuroArts (dist. by Naxos of America). Volume 30, Issue 1
I Capuleti e I Montecchi
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