Some Verdi specialists--though a distinct minority--prefer this French grand opera revision of the composer's early I Lombardi alla prima Crociata, prepared for a Paris production in 1847, to the 1843 original, but this taping of a Genoese performance from 2000 will not strengthen their case. Staged in a static style, indifferently sung and prosaically conducted and played, Jerusalem impresses as distinctly minor Verdi, sounding rather like Meyerbeer on an off day. Slow tempi and generally flaccid orchestral work under the baton of Michel Plasson make this tale of lovers separated by the treachery of the girl's uncle very heavy going indeed, and the uneven vocal performances fail to inject much dramatic life into the proceedings. Given the circumstances, it was probably unwise to include the third-act ballet, here performed in a strangely angular style with oddly unattractive costuming. While the physical production is otherwise quite sumptuous, the camerawork adequate, and the sound recording perfectly fine--with DTS, Dolby Digital 5.1, and stereo options--this can be recommended only as a curiosity to the Verdi collector committed to acquiring every note the master ever penned. Not a necessary purchase. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)
Jerusalem
(2000) 166 min. In French w/English subtitles. DVD: $29.99. TDK (dist. by Naxos of America). Color cover. Volume 18, Issue 4
Jerusalem
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