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nancysl
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- Review count4
- Helpfulness votes1
- First reviewOctober 12, 2009
- Last reviewDecember 11, 2011
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.8
nancysl's Reviews
Overall rating
5
/
5
Wonderful Performance
PostedDecember 11, 2011
nancysl
from Dedham, MA
I thought the performance was wonderful--one of the best I've been to. Jonas Kaufmann has a terrific voice--I prefer him to Roberto Alagna. However, Kaufmann needs to learn how to act. The role requires wide-ranging emotions--however, these were not evident on his face. When he was supposedly ecstatic, he wasn't even smiling. Nor did he display guilt adequately on his face. We need to see the emotions in his eyes, too. Perhaps someday he can put his technique more in the background of his mind, and concentrate more on his acting. Perhaps Placido Domingo can give him some acting lessons. If Kaufmann can improve his acting, then he will be a truly great singer.
I found the scientific motif of the opera to be an unsatisfying distraction from the opera--it added nothing to my enjoyment of it. Furthermore, it seemed to equate unbridled science with going to hell, which is of course ridiculous. One should remember that J. Robert Oppenheimer helped to end World War II.
There were also some technical glitches to yesterday's performance which should be corrected. I had ordered my ticket with a computer through MovieTickets.com. When I tried to claim my ticket at a kiosk at the Showcase Cinema in Dedham, MA, only a receipt printed out--no ticket. (I had been unable to print a ticket from the computer.) Also, initially, the sound was too soft, and the theater was too cold throughout the performance--I had to wear my down coat during the entire performance. I expect a greater deal of professionalism for $26.
Notwithstanding the above, I had a wonderful time.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
5
/
5
Fantastic opera
PostedDecember 12, 2010
nancysl
from Dedham, MA
I thought the opera was fantastic--not only was the music beautiful--the plot was interesting. The singing was great at times--especially the roles of Princess Eboli and Rodrigo. The acting displayed the effects of superior direction--Rodrigo's death scene seemed very realistic--except for the fact he had to continue singing! This may turn out to be my favorite opera. Verdi certainly was a genius.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
5
/
5
My favorite opera
PostedOctober 27, 2009
nancysl
from Revere, MA
Aida has it all--beautiful arias, spectacle, ballet, and an interesting plot. The cast was strong. Violeta Urmana (Aida) was very good, but perhaps not great. She has a tough act to follow--Leontyne Price. Perhaps I would have liked a little more dramatic intensity. Johan Botha (Radames) was definitely superior--his voice sounds more Germanic than Italian, and remarkably light considering his own considerable physical heft. Dolora Zajick (Amneris) was excellent as usual--I have always liked her, and I think she did the best acting job of the bunch. Carlo Guelfi (Amonasro) and Stefan Kocan (The King) were also good. The only one I didn't like so much was Roberto Scandiuzzi (Ramfis)--I thought he sounded old.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
4
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5
I enjoyed it.
PostedOctober 12, 2009
nancysl
from Revere, MA
I really liked Marcelo Alvarez (Cavaradossi). He combined a beautiful voice with dramatic intensity. Unfortunately, Karita Mattila (Tosca) was definitely flat for the first 25 minutes. After that, she was better, but I had the feeling she was struggling throughout the rest of the performance to avoid going flat. However, her acting was very good. Personally, I would have preferred someone younger. George Gagnidze (Scarpia) has a very good voice, but I felt he didn't have sufficient dramatic intensity--he didn't seem evil enough--the intensity was marred by occasional glances toward the conductor. The person who sang Angelotti was also good (I don't know his name). I personally didn't mind the revisions to the opera.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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