Puccini's ever-popular opera about doomed young love receives a modernist makeover in this 2014 production from the Malmö Opera. Orpha Phelan's staging moves the tale of struggling writer Rodolfo and frail seamstress Mimi from the 19th century to the present, playing out on a set designed by Leslie Travers that suggests a huge, brightly-lit carousel, which shifts around periodically to represent different locales. Although traditionalists may grumble, the approach works surprisingly well. Soprano Olesya Golovneva is an affecting Mimi and tenor Joachim Bäckstöm a virile Rodolfo; their scenes together radiate longing and, in the unhappy close, real poignancy. The supporting cast—particularly baritone Vladislav Sulimsky, bass Miklós Sebestyén, and baritone Daniel Hällström as Rodolfo's equally penurious chums, and soprano Maria Fontosh as the coquettish but loyal Musetta—lends sterling vocalism. And the company orchestra and chorus are conducted with equal amounts of dash and romantic sweep by Christian Badea. For those willing to accept the changes made by Phelan and Travers, this La Bohème represents one of the better choices available. Presented in DTS 5.1 (DTS-HD 5.1 on the Blu-ray edition) and PCM stereo, this is highly recommended. (F. Swietek)
La Bohème
(2014) 118 min. In Italian w/English subtitles. DVD: $29.99, Blu-ray: $39.99. Naxos Media Holdings (avail. from most distributors). Volume 32, Issue 5
La Bohème
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