Luisa Miller

The 14th release in the Tutto Verdi series from Parma is the better known of the composer's 1849 operas (the other being La Battaglia di Legnano). Luisa Miller is a formulaic piece based on a tragedy by Friedrich Schiller about the daughter of an elderly soldier who finds herself in love with Rodolfo, a nobleman posing as a peasant. Unfortunately, both are being forced to marry others, and when Rodolfo comes to believe that Luisa is unfaithful to him, he kills her before committing suicide. Much grieving ensues. Despite the hackneyed plot, Verdi furnished it with fine music, nicely presented in this excellent 2007 production from the Teatro Regio that is preferable to the 2006 mounting from Venice (VL-7/08). Donato Renzetti draws vivid playing from the company orchestra, and the vocalism is outstanding. As Luisa, Fiorenza Cedolins looks the part and sings it beautifully, while Marcelo Álvarez's ringing tenor is perfect for Rodolfo. The rest of the cast deliver fine performances as well, although veteran Leo Nucci must be singled out as Luisa's father (well deserving of the ovations from the Parma audience). And Denis Krief's staging is exemplary, featuring sets and costumes that draw clear distinctions between the worlds of the aristocrats and the commoners. Presented in DTS 5.1 (DTS-HD 5.1 on the Blu-ray release) and PCM stereo, extras include a brief introduction to the opera. Highly recommended. (F. Swietek)