The last work by Vincenzo Bellini (1801–1835), I Puritani—set after the English civil war of the 1640s—suffers from a weak libretto that draws on the political turmoil merely as the basis for a standard-issue bel canto romance (complete with obligatory mad scene). But the music is both beautiful and historically important, serving as a bridge between Rossini and Verdi in Italian opera. In this 2009 production from De Nederlandse Opera, conductor Giuliano Carella brings out the passion and color of the orchestral writing, and he has restored from the original 1835 Paris score several numbers traditionally excised, thereby strengthening the threadbare characterizations. The stylized set—featuring a metallic backdrop on which biblical verses are inscribed, along with tiered rows of singers—is imaginative, and the period costumes are suitably austere. But the singers, unfortunately, do not always meet Bellini's extravagant demands. Mariola Cantarero is somewhat strained as Elvira, the Puritan woman who goes mad when her royalist lover, Arturo (powerfully sung by John Osborn), apparently jilts her in order to free the captured Queen Enrichetta (Fredrika Brillembourg, the strongest of the supporting cast). But even though the vocalism here is not top-drawer, this Dutch production is a strong offering, thanks to the expanded text, superior orchestral work, and fine staging. Presented in DTS 5.1 and Dolby Digital stereo on DVD, and DTS-HD 5.1 and LPCM stereo on Blu-ray, extras include a background featurette, and a cast gallery. Recommended. (F. Swietek)
I Puritani
(2009) 173 min. In Italian w/English subtitles. DVD or Blu-ray: $29.99. Opus Arte (dist. by Naxos of America). Volume 28, Issue 1
I Puritani
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