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Ludwig
Ludwig's stats
- Review count3
- Helpfulness votes0
- First reviewNovember 19, 2009
- Last reviewFebruary 6, 2010
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4
Ludwig's Reviews
Overall rating
3
/
5
Worthwhile, but far from perfect
PostedFebruary 6, 2010
Ludwig
from Milford, NH
The orchestral and vocal performances were first-rate. Beyond, that, however, there were issues. This rather literally-minded production is somewhat dated and fails to do justice to the complexity and subtlety of this work. Why is Mariandl so dowdy? Why isn't the competition between Ochs & the Italian tenor funny as well as incongruous? Why is Maria Therese dressed as the Fairy Princess in Act 3? (& Why don't Sophie's dresses fit?) There were also multiple interminable intermissions that could easily have been edited down for an encore broadcast. Finally, the local theater crew still haven't mastered network broadcast projection. These are wonderful telecasts as a series, but there is room for improvement in this one.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
5
/
5
Thoughful production with an extraordinary tenor
PostedDecember 20, 2009
Ludwig
from Milford, NH
This may be the most intelligent opera production I've ever seen. Bart Sher & colleagues did a fantastic job. Even better, Calleja's tenor has a body and warmth one rarely hears in tenors. All in all an extremely satisfying experience.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
4
/
5
Spectacular production
PostedNovember 19, 2009
Ludwig
I'm actually interested in operas rather than orchestral or vocal virtuosity, so I'll leave it to others who know better to comment on the performances. The Zeferelli production was visually spectacular (one of the nice things about the MET generally is that they can afford to stage traditionally elaborate productions like this) and it's hard to imagine a better version of Turandot to see. I would certainly recommend attending a performance of this one. Much nicer than one of those spare modern things that serve mostly as a vehicle for some director's interpretive delusions. There was, however, one very annoying aspect of the HDtransmission/recording: obnoxiously busy camera work with no end of constant panning and zooming.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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