Beautiful vocalism is the essential element in any successful performance of bel canto, and this 2016 production from Madrid's Teatro Real of Bellini's last opera—a romantic melodrama set against the background of the English Civil War—is an absolute winner in that regard. Young Mexican tenor Javier Camarena is a revelation as Talbot, the pro-Stuart Cavalier whose scheme to rescue Henrietta, the wife of King Charles I, drives his betrothed, the Puritan Lady Elvira, to madness—until Talbot returns to declare his love, escaping execution only when a general amnesty is announced. Camarena's range and purity of tone are exceptional. And he is not alone: as Elvira, Diana Damrau is no less impressive, and their duets are exquisite, the harmony velvet-like and the high notes on target. Annalisa Stroppa is only slightly less effective as Henrietta, and though the supporting cast does not match the principals' level of excellence, none really disappoint. The chorus and orchestra perform splendidly for conductor Evelino Pidò, who supports the soloists with finesse. The only drawbacks are staging by Emilio Sagi that fails to overcome the opera's innately static character, and a set by Daniel Bianco that is elegant but relies too heavily on white chairs being moved across the sandy stage and a constellation of chandeliers that rise and fall to little purpose. The costumes offer little excitement, being basic black except for Elvira's white gown and Henrietta's royal robes. But with Bellini the quality of the singing is what matters above all, and in that regard this performance excels. Presented in DTS 5.1 and LPCM stereo on DVD, and DTS-HD 5.1 and PCM stereo on Blu-ray, this is highly recommended. (F. Swietek)
I Puritani
(2016) 181 min. DVD: $24.99, Blu-ray: $29.99. Bel Air Classiques (dist. by Naxos of America). Volume 33, Issue 2
I Puritani
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