Although Gaetano Donizetti was only 30 years old when the one-act version of this opera premiered in 1827, he'd already composed more than a dozen others. But Donizetti's extraordinarily prolific output often resulted in scores more notable for facility than quality, which is the case with Le Convenienze ed Inconvenienze Teatrali, performed here in a 2009 staging at Milan's Teatro alla Scala using the composer's 1831 two-act revision. The libretto spoofs the backstage conventions of 19th-century opera companies along with the inadequacies of small touring groups. The singers quarrel over the arias assigned them and the seconda donna's harridan mother intrudes to demand greater consideration for her daughter, while the second act portrays the catastrophic rehearsals that lead the producers to cancel the performance, after which the troupe sneaks out of town to avoid paying refunds. As in all of Donizetti's early comic works, the score is in the style of Rossini (the dominant figure of the day), but it's agreeable overall, poking fun at musical clichés. The major joke involves assigning the part of Agata, the bombastic stage mom, to a baritone in drag, and while the gag overstays its welcome, Vincenzo Taormina nevertheless attacks the part with gusto. The other young singers from La Scala's Accademia del Teatro are also excellent, while the orchestra plays with finesse under Marco Guidarini. Fine camerawork and attractive sets and costumes add to the appeal of this mostly winning production. Presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 and PCM stereo, DVD extras include a 16-page booklet. Recommended. (F. Swietek)
Le Convenienze ed Inconvenienze Teatrali [Viva la Mamma]
(2009) 114 min. In Italian w/English subtitles. DVD: $33.98. Bel Air Classiques (dist. by Naxos of America). Volume 26, Issue 3
Le Convenienze ed Inconvenienze Teatrali [Viva la Mamma]
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