In an accompanying behind-the-scenes featurette, the near-miraculous perfection of Mozart's 1786 comic opera is repeatedly emphasized by members of the cast and director David McVicar, who argue that the particulars of the stage action are actually mandated in the score itself. And The Marriage of Figaro—a social critique of droit du seigneur (i.e., the purported legal right of the lord of an estate to deflower its virgins) is arguably the greatest of all operas, able to survive even mediocre productions. This mounting, filmed at London's Covent Garden in 2006, is far better than average, but its emphasis on the angry, revolutionary undercurrents of the piece comes at the expense of the opera's charm and humor. Under Antonio Pappano's baton, the orchestral performance is strong but fierce, with the barking brass often dominating both the strings and winds. Also, while the singing is generally very good, acting choices—the principals are Erwin Schrott, Miah Persson, Gerald Finley, Dorothea Röschmann, and Rinat Shaham—sometimes take precedence over vocalism, so that the voices not only occasionally blare but are even allowed to trail the beat for dramatic effect on occasion. Moreover, the sets and costumes—marked by rather drab, earth-tone colors—further accentuate the sense of seriousness over fun. But while this effort fails to equally capture the myriad facets of Mozart's masterpiece, it nevertheless boasts a reading with a strong point of view that is rigorously realized, backed with fluent (if sometimes busy) camerawork and excellent sound (with DTS and LCPM stereo options), making it one of the better DVD presentations of a much-recorded work. Other DVD extras include an illustrated synopsis and cast gallery. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)
Le Nozze di Figaro
(2006) 2 discs. 192 min. In Italian w/English subtitles. DVD: $45.98 (booklet included). Opus Arte (dist. by Naxos of America). Volume 23, Issue 5
Le Nozze di Figaro
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