Turandot

Easily the most memorable aspect of this 2010 performance of Puccini's unfinished final opera (which premiered posthumously in 1926) is the spectacular staging by Franco Zeffirelli, who fills the vast stage of the outdoor Arena di Verona with colorful sets and costumes and a small army of milling choristers. While the resulting tableaux is rich, the musical side is unfortunately more prosaic. Giuliano Carella conducts the standard version of the score (completed by Franco Alfano) with vigor but not much refinement. Maria Guleghina exhibits an appropriately stern demeanor as the titular icy Chinese princess who cruelly executes suitors who cannot answer the riddles she poses. But while her voice is suitably piercing, it's also afflicted with a vibrato that grows dangerously wide when pushed. Tenor Salvatore Licitra cuts a beefy figure as Calaf, the stranger who outwits her and breaks down her resistance to love. While he sings well enough, his reprise of the famous aria “Nessun Dorma” comes across as a pre-planned stunt rather than a spontaneous response to the crowd's applause. The supporting cast is adequate—although Tamar Iveri is disappointing as Liù, the devoted girl who sacrifices herself on Calaf's behalf. Ultimately, this Turandot is more pleasing to the eye than the ear. Presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 and PCM stereo on DVD, and DTS-HD 7.1 and PCM stereo on Blu-ray, this is an optional purchase. (F. Swietek)