Le Nozze Di Figaro

In this 2006 production for the Opéra National de Paris, Christoph Marthaler puts a new spin on Mozart's social critique of droit du seigneur (i.e., the purported legal right of the lord of an estate to deflower its virgins) by setting the action in a bridal shop, conveniently located near a wedding bureau. Effective in its simplicity, the set provides easy entry and exits for a varied cast of characters to indulge in their various romantic entanglements, and while not everything works—such as a tasteless, stuttering Don Curzio and some chip-munching chorus members—this is a sprightly production overall, enlivened by performers who appear to be having a wonderful time. The Swedish sensation Peter Mattei is the ultimate Count Almaviva: he's made the role his own thanks to matinee idol looks, a magnificent voice, and terrific acting skills (his tango with Susanna is memorable), while Lorenzo Regazzo is delightful (as always), capturing both the comic mischief and connubial outrage of Figaro. Christine Schäfer is a charming and believable Cherubino and Helene Schneiderman shines as Marcellina, making the most of her moment in the spotlight when she sings the rarely heard aria, “Il capro e la capretta.” Another restored aria (Don Basilio's “In quegl'anni in cui val poco”) and the inclusion onstage of the “recitativist” (who appears with a variety of novel instruments) are both welcome innovations that make this a good choice for serious music collections, while also worth consideration for more general collections. Presented in DTS and LCPM stereo, DVD extras include a cast gallery, synopsis, and the behind-the-scenes documentary “A Day of Real Madness.” Recommended. Aud: C, P. (J. Reed)