Donizetti: Anna Bolena [DVD] [2011] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC]

This is a remarkably fine performance of Donizetti's first major success - his 31st opera. By that stage he had really learnt his craft and knew precisely how to sustain musical interest and tension. In this opera he has also got the advantage of an inherently dramatic moment in history as envisioned by a good librettist.

So how have the performers risen to this challenge? In my opinion the whole enterprise is very fine indeed.

Anna Netrebko in the title role gives a performance of real dramatic bite ranging from the reflective and forgiving to the passionate and fiery. She is totally on top of the considerable musical demands of the part. Her voice has also acquired an interesting greater richness and depth of tone and this is one of her finest performances to date.

Elina Garanca is well able to match Netrebko musically and delivers bel canto singing of great accuracy. This is well up to the exalted levels we have come to expect of this artist. The scena and duetto in Act 2 featuring these two fine singers is a high point of intensity creating real sparks of temperament. However the part of Seymour as one would expect does not carry the same dramatic or musical weight as the title role so the limelight rightly remains on Netrebko.

Ildebrando as Henry VIII is in good fine voice too with plenty of regal sonority to his voice and convincing acting. His confidence in the kingly role reminds one of his authoritive Escamillo role in the Royal Opera's production of Carmen.

The roles of Seaton, Percy and Rochefort are all capably sung and acted whilst not being a serious challenge to the three main stars of the opera. The chorus is effective in a rather static production - although, to be fair, this is also the way they were cast by Donizetti - rather like commentators on the unfolding events. Little room for action therefore.

The production values focus attention on the singing with little action to distract the attention. This would be unsatisfactory if the three main roles were not acted or sung so well. The costumes have caused some negative comments concerning Tudor period but I did not find this to be an issue that bothered me!

The recording is crystal clear as regards both visuals and surround sound and I found the camera work to be sympathetic to both the singers and the opera itself.

All in all therefore I have no hesitation in awarding the full 5 stars and a phenomenal role that seems to suit Netrebko perfectly. Highly recommended.

I guess that more than 50% of the people looking at buying this copy of Anna Bolena are here because they are fans of Anna Netrebko and/or El'na Garan'a and not because of their love of Donizetti's opera. IMHO the roles of Enrico and Lord Percy are incidental to what is really a battle between soprano and mezzo-soprano.

If you are hesitating about buying it because you are not sure if you will like the opera or even if you like the opera and are going to order it, I would suggest you all do one thing and that is order the mp3 download of the 1957 Live La Scala recording with Maria Callas Donizetti: Anna Bolena for only £1.58 for the complete opera. Firstly it is a cheap way to see if you like the opera and secondly it will give you something to judge this performance against.

The blu-ray disc is very good both visually and sound quality. I cannot fault the engineering of this disc.

The role of Anna Bolena is brought to life by the superb singing of Anna Netrebko. She has put on some weight recently but this is not necessarily a bad thing as she sounds better with this extra weight. Her voice seems fuller, more lustrous and with greater depth and focus. I have most of her DVD's and all of her albums and this is the best I have heard her. Bel Canto aficionados may debate whether or not Anna Netrebko's voice is suited to this style comparing her to Sills or Callas. She sings coloratura passages with an individual style that is both refreshing and precise. I'm afraid I am not a big fan of the Sills recording (blackboard and chalk come to mind) however I think the Callas recording is the benchmark. You need to listen to the MP3 of it yourself and make your own mind up as to Anna Netrebko's performance compared to Callas. I have never been a huge fan of Callas but she sang Anna Bolena when she was at her vocal prime and despite the poorish recording quality you can hear the most exquisite outstanding performance by Callas. My own opinion is that Anna Netrebko is the best that can be heard in today's World. Callas she is not but then I would not want her to be.

The lovely El'na Garan'a is superb as Giovanna Seymour, in my opinion she is the best mezzo-soprano singing today and equal to Anna Netrebko in performance stature. She seems to sing this role as though it was written for her. It appears so effortless for her to sing. The beautiful second act duet "Sul suo capo aggravi un Dio" between Elina and Anna is one of the finest I have every heard in any opera from any generation. I am pleased she was able to make this recording as she had to withdraw from the Met production due to her pregnancy. In the 1957 recording Elina's role was sung by Giulietta Simionato, one of the best mezzo-soprano's of her generation. There is no doubt in my mind that Elina's version is better.

Was I being too dismissive to say the roles of Enrico and Lord Percy are incidental? Ildebrando D'Arcangelo is excellent, very believable in the role and will not disappoint, he backs up the ladies with a rich dark vocal performance that helps make this performance as good as it is. Francesco Meli is also very good, nothing I can really say about his performance, certainly nothing negative. I definitely think he is someone worth watching for the future, he should be very pleased with this performance.

In summary. This blu-ray is a must have for any fan of Netrebko and/or Garan'a. It is IMHO better than the much lauded Sills performance and the equal of the Callas 1957 performance (vocally).

I keep reading the wonderful reviews about Netrebko's Anna Bolena but when is it going to be available on UK DVD players ?