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Bassocantante
Bassocantante's stats
- Review count3
- Helpfulness votes2
- First reviewFebruary 7, 2010
- Last reviewNovember 15, 2010
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.3
Bassocantante's Reviews
Overall rating
5
/
5
Fun for the Whole Family
PostedNovember 15, 2010
Bassocantante
from Seattle WA
The performance was fun & energetic and extremely well sung. Netrebko (Norina) and Kwiecien (Dr. Malatesta) turned in very athletic, comedic star-turns, although Netrebko said she wouldn't be doing this opera again. See it while you can, in the Encore performance. John Del Carlo (Don Pasquale) engages in mannerisms instead of acting but his singing was fine. I heard hints of Tito Schipa in Polenzani's Ernesto, singing "Come' Gentile."
The intermission interviews were fun to watch, especially the chemistry between Netrebko & Kwiecien, although not imparting much information.
Maestro James Levine's conducting was masterful, although this was the first time he'd conducted this opera. And the orchestra and chorus sounded, as usual, like the best in the world.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
4
/
5
Not the Greatest - But Quite Good
PostedNovember 13, 2010
Bassocantante
from Seattle WA
The singing, from an all Russian cast except for Pape', was superb as was the chorus. The principal cast members were obviously seasoned professionals. The acting apropos; no stand and deliver.
The production on the other hand was done on the cheap, perhaps to compensate for the cost of importing the singers and conductor? The scenery was worthy of regional opera, at best. I felt all the business in the opening and final scenes were unnecessary. It was as if the director didn't trust the music and singing to sustain the audience's interest. Too many directors today don't trust the material.
Boris was played from the start as a rather common person, which I believe was a mistake, since he had risen through the ranks in Ivan the Terrible's court. He needed to be more austere and imperial. His descent into paranoia and final death was entirely believable, however.
All in all, a show definitely worth seeing.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
4
/
5
Excellent with reservations
PostedFebruary 7, 2010
Bassocantante
from Seattle WA
The Met in HD is a fantastic idea. As usual the picture was too dark. This production evokes Genoa nicely but needs some spiffing up. I'm glad Domingo is doing this; he was excellent in the role. Morris needs to retire; his lowest notes are gone. After a rough start Pieszonka steadily improved and was a pleasure to listen to. I especially enjoyed Stephen Gaertner's portrayal as Paolo.
This opera is a little known gem, with gorgeous music, even in the smallest sung-through recitatives. The music itself is very emotional, the singing makes it more moving. This opera will never be a big crowd pleaser because the plot is so dark, but it needs to be in the repertory of major theatres.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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