Senior citizens should take particular delight in this 2006 Zurich performance of Verdi's masterpiece about the court jester whose efforts to save his innocent daughter from the amorous designs of the lascivious duke whom he serves turn out so tragically. The title role is played by Leo Nucci, who at 64 was nearing the 40th anniversary of his debut, and while his singing may not boast the richness and purity of his prime, Nucci's powerful acting as the tormented father is unparalleled. Moreover, the conductor is Nello Santi—a Verdi specialist who made his pit debut with Rigoletto in 1951—whose sharp, energetic treatment of the score shows not the slightest sign of fatigue or routine. It's a pity that other elements of the production don't quite measure up: the staging is unadventurous, with static choral formations, sparse sets, and costumes that update the action to the 19th century without any particular rationale for the change. And the contributions of soprano Elena Mosuc as Gilda and tenor Piotr Beczala as the Duke are only intermittently on target, both in terms of vocal pitch and dramatic acting. Nonetheless, Nucci and Santi make this one of the better versions of the opera available, presented here on Blu-ray (also available in standard DVD) with excellent camerawork, pristine image, and crystal-clear sound (with DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 and PCM stereo options). Recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)
Rigoletto
(2006) 128 min. In Italian w/English subtitles. Blu-ray: $45.98. Arthaus Musik (dist. by Naxos of America). Volume 24, Issue 2
Rigoletto
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