Il Barbiere di Siviglia

Rossini's 1816 comic masterpiece is one of those indestructible operas that will survive even a mediocre performance, as demonstrated by this 2011 production from the Teatro Regio di Parma, which barely suggests the work's infectious sense of fun but remains moderately enjoyable. Dmitry Korchak cuts a reasonably handsome figure as Count Almaviva, who fails in courting the lovely Rosina (Ketevan Kemoklidze) because her elderly guardian, Bartolo (Bruno Praticò), wants her for himself—at least, until the wily Figaro (Luca Salsi) teaches the nobleman a few hilariously underhanded tricks. Unfortunately, Korchak's tenor, while strong, suffers from a nasal tone, and although Kemoklidze is an agile vocalist, she looks a trifle old for the part. Salsi, moreover, is more actor than singer, making the barber a genial rogue who growls many of Rossini's low notes. And in Praticò's hands, Bartolo isn't quite the amusing figure he should be. This overall blandness extends to the supporting singers and company orchestra, which Andrea Battistoni conducts vigorously but without the joviality suggested by the score. The result is a rather unsmiling Il Barbiere di Siviglia, an effect accentuated by traditional yet lackluster sets and costumes, coupled with staging by Stefano Vizioli that is frankly lackadaisical. Presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 and LPCM stereo on DVD and Blu-ray, this is an optional purchase. (F. Swietek)