Gaetano Donizetti - Don Pasquale [Teatro alla Scala 1994] [DVD] [2007]

A few years ago I purchased a DVD of "Don Pasquale" produced by Teatro Lirico-Cagliari starring Eva Mei and Alessandro Corbelli. The singing was great, as expected, but I found the direction way too over-the-top. Everyone was mugging uncontrollably and it really got in the way of my enjoying the performance. Too bad, as the production was one of the most gorgeous and clever I'd ever seen. If only, I thought, the same production had been directed in a more subdued, realistic fashion.

Well, apparently the opera gods were paying attention to my plea, because here it is: the same production presented at LaScala, but this time toned down a notch. Admittedly it's a little TOO subdued at times (Ferruccio Furlanetto is not the natural comedian that Corbelli is), but if I complain too much in that regard, I'll be (rightly) opening myself up to accusations of never being satisfied. The production is still lovely, if not quite as sumptuous as I remember (egads, there I go again), but Riccardo Muti does miraculous things with the score, literally from first note to last. The cast is low-wattage -- not a Netrebko or Florez in the bunch -- but they're certainly up to the task, particularly Gregory Kunde, who's got a real Kenneth Branagh thing going on. (What that has to do with anything I'm not really sure.)

Of the "Pasquale"s out there, I'd say this is the best I've seen. I even think it beats the Florez version, which, like the Teatro Lirico one, has been directed like a Warner Brothers cartoon (complete with teddy bears). Thank you, Opera Gods, for listening to this opera lover's dilemma. Now, can you get Peter Gelb to tape Netrebko in the Met's Otto Schenk production?

For me, the stars of this production are Riccardo Muti and his orchestra. There are many scenes in "Don Pasquale" (e.g., the fake marriage) where what is going on in the orchestra is more exciting than what the performers are doing onstage. In other words, Donizetti wrote a magnificent score, beginning with an overture that can easily stand alone as an orchestral piece. Muti conducts with great energy and with careful attention to detail, the latter allowing the solo instruments to shine. He also varies the pace perfectly to bring out the contrasts in the mood onstage.

Ferruccio Furlanetto gives a refreshingly different portrayal of Don Pasquale. He doesn't play him as a buffoon but as an aging lonely man, hoping to find love. (By starting the overture with a plaintive cello solo, Donizetti tells us that he has composed more than just an opera buffa.) Furlanetto is one of the great bass-baritones of our times, able to move seamlessly between Mozart and Verdi. Here, he just as easily masters Donizetti's patter music (which Muti takes at a lightening-fast speed). Bravo to the composer, the conductor, and the singer.

Nuccia Focile is disappointing as Norina. (Here, I respectfully disagree with several other reviewers.) She is a good actress, but despite a nice vibrato, her voice sounds harsh and even grating at times, especially when she's reaching for the high notes. Fortunately, the opera gives her ample opportunity to show off her acting skills. She does a particularly good job turning from the sweet bride to the nasty, arrogant wife.

As Ernesto, Gregory Kunde has a beautiful lyric tenor voice. His singing lacks the fireworks of Juan Diego Florez (also on DVD in this role) but Kunde's interpretation of Ernesto is, well, touchingly earnest.

Lucio Gallo (Dr. Malatesta) has a deep, burnished baritone voice. His patter duet with Furlanetto, driven by the fast pace set by Muti, is the highlight of the production.

All in all, an enjoyable time at the opera.

I'm a fan of Riccardo Muti and this opera production shows him at his best, including smiles of satisfaction, pleasure and amusement throughout. How often do you see that? The overture is simply wonderful and sets this production apart immediately from the other recent Don Pasquale DVD with Alessandro Corbelli. The same notes, but Muti's is better. (I'm not a musician but I know what I like.)

Speaking of that other production, if you watch both, you will notice immediately that you are seeing the same sets, costumes and direction. The only differences are the singers, conductors, orchestras and opera houses! I liked this one better. But the very funny Alessandro Corbelli is a terrific Don Pasquale, too--watch him with the pistols--so, you should get both!

This cast of four are all terrific singers and actors. But Gregory Kunde is also eye candy as Ernesto and he is obviously having fun. His singing is excellent. Nuccia Focile is a pretty and perky Norina, playing the part of the arrogant, demanding new wife with ease and vocal dexterity. Ferruccio Furlanetto is in top form and produces his usual comic genius. I found it a little disturbing to see him playing the part of a seventy-something Don Pasquale--he was only 45 years old in 1994 when this was recorded--as I would like to see him preserved forever and not get any older! The doctor, Lucio Gallo, is also excellent.

This production will make you laugh out loud! I recommend it highly.