Il Trovatore

Florid Italian opera in all its glory: an infant switched at birth, a gypsy curse, two lovers vying for a beautiful lady who dies for love via a poison ring--all set against the background of a fractious civil war. What's not to like? While this is far from a perfect production, there is still much to enjoy, with solid performances by Joan Sutherland as Leonora, and Lauris Elms as Azucena, ably supported by the Elizabethan Sydney Orchestra under the baton of Richard Bonynge. Il Trovatore has more to offer than just the famous Anvil Chorus: as one might expect from Verdi, there are displays of the vocal art in all its forms--rich solo arias, splendid ensemble pieces, and massed choral works presented here in Dolby Digital 5.1 sound in the original Italian with English subtitles. Filmed in 1983, this mounting shows its years in awkward staging, corny costuming, stolid performances, and--not surprisingly for a film of this vintage--a somewhat murky transfer (possibly abetted by low lighting). Still, consider this a strong optional choice. Aud: C, P. (J. Reed)