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27 of 27 people found the following review helpful
When it was first performed, this opera was described as an opera buffa, but although there is much comedy (and the comedy element is given emphasis in this production), the opera has a dark and somewhat disturbing side. The plot, slight and amusing at first glance, deals with the sometimes anguished struggles that take place among constancy, sexual desire, and love between the sexes. The Victorians thought Così fan Tutte outrageous and vulgar, but times change and nowadays Così is generally considered to be one of the most satisfying and thought-provoking of the Mozart operas. The music without doubt is astounding, and is representative of Mozart at the very height of his powers.
This beautifully presented production (the singers appear in period clothes, for once, and perform against plain and well lit, pastel-coloured sets) is very successful indeed. The stars are the gifted young Swedish soprano Miah Persson (as Fiordiligi) and the German mezzo-soprano Anke Vondung (as Dorabella). Their singing is never less than excellent and is often quite ravishing. Miah Persson reminds me very much of Elisabeth Schwarzkopf as she was in the mid-1950s (when I began to collect classical music records). Anke Vondung is almost equally impressive, and some of the duets sung by the two young women are quite brilliantly done. Though the two women principals stand out (in part, it must be said, because they have the best of the music) the rest of the singing is very good indeed. The two young male singers (Topi Lehtipuu and Luca Pisaroni) who share the centre of the action with the two ladies are very accomplished, and sing impressively. Conducting and orchestral playing are of a high standard throughout.
This is essentially an opera for six voices, and the only disappointment, in my opinion, is the relative weakness of the third pair of singers - Ainhoa Garmendia (as the scheming maid Despina) and Nicolas Rivenq (as the manipulative Don Alfonso). The former somehow gives the impression of not being thoroughly at home in her role, and the latter, who seems a little under-powered and takes quite a while to get going, has been poorly characterized by the director, who presents him as a rather good and even jolly sort of fellow instead of the unattractive and world-weary cynic that the libretto leads us to expect. But these are relatively small quibbles. The weaknesses of this production are far outweighed by the strong points, and this version of the opera can be confidently recommended.
This beautifully presented production (the singers appear in period clothes, for once, and perform against plain and well lit, pastel-coloured sets) is very successful indeed. The stars are the gifted young Swedish soprano Miah Persson (as Fiordiligi) and the German mezzo-soprano Anke Vondung (as Dorabella). Their singing is never less than excellent and is often quite ravishing. Miah Persson reminds me very much of Elisabeth Schwarzkopf as she was in the mid-1950s (when I began to collect classical music records). Anke Vondung is almost equally impressive, and some of the duets sung by the two young women are quite brilliantly done. Though the two women principals stand out (in part, it must be said, because they have the best of the music) the rest of the singing is very good indeed. The two young male singers (Topi Lehtipuu and Luca Pisaroni) who share the centre of the action with the two ladies are very accomplished, and sing impressively. Conducting and orchestral playing are of a high standard throughout.
This is essentially an opera for six voices, and the only disappointment, in my opinion, is the relative weakness of the third pair of singers - Ainhoa Garmendia (as the scheming maid Despina) and Nicolas Rivenq (as the manipulative Don Alfonso). The former somehow gives the impression of not being thoroughly at home in her role, and the latter, who seems a little under-powered and takes quite a while to get going, has been poorly characterized by the director, who presents him as a rather good and even jolly sort of fellow instead of the unattractive and world-weary cynic that the libretto leads us to expect. But these are relatively small quibbles. The weaknesses of this production are far outweighed by the strong points, and this version of the opera can be confidently recommended.
47 of 48 people found the following review helpful
I have many versions of Cosi, including the Ponnelle, which I thought unsurpassable - until I encountered this from last year's Glyndebourne. I first saw it last Christmas on the box, and itched to get a DVD. Now I have a copy, I am reminded forcefully how well the cast (unknown to me) drew every ounce of wit and humour from a piece that can easily go sour. There are many ingredients that go to make this such a success. Not only the singing, which is fresh as paint, but the acting, which I think is some of the best I have seen in a Mozart comedy. All cast members contribute to an ensemble performance. Clearly Nicholas Hytner deserves mention and Fischer, whose brisk, dramatic and characterful overture immediately has me in its grasp. I cannot reccommend this performance enough. If you can only have one recording, this should be the one. If you alrady have several, this should be added as soon as possible.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
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I have been familiar with Cosi ever since I can remember. From an aria or two on my dad's 78RPM records to the beautiful Otto Klemperer recording on vinyl and later on to many VHS tapes and then the Gardiner version, although good, started appearing a little jaded thanks to average acting and dramatization.
So when I felt I should have a fresh new DVD (sans Eurotrash), I thought I would look up the views of the reviewing proletariat - and thought I would risk buying this one.
THANKS GUYS.... Whatever you have stated in all the previous 10 reviews to this is almost absolutely correct. This is the nearest thing that is akin to an un-putdownable book that I have seen. So fresh, vibrant in acting and absolutely precise sublime singing and interpretation. I think I will measure any other Cosi by the standard of this one.
Not just period costumes, but sets that are minimal, but bright and not jungle-jims or abstract pillars and stuff that do not distract, but bring out the essence of the interpretation. I am also overjoyed that it has been performed by artistes thus far not known to me... maybe they are doing well these days, must look that up now.
Just that I do not agree with one reviewer here who stated that the third set of Despina and the Don are not up to the mark.. Yes. Despina here is no Lucia Popp but is quite adequate for the role, and if Don had been more powerful, may have killed the character. I think he is just right for the role too...
I would unhesitatingly recommend this DVD to anyone irrespective of whether it is the first ever DVD of Cosi or even if one has all the other recordings of it.
So when I felt I should have a fresh new DVD (sans Eurotrash), I thought I would look up the views of the reviewing proletariat - and thought I would risk buying this one.
THANKS GUYS.... Whatever you have stated in all the previous 10 reviews to this is almost absolutely correct. This is the nearest thing that is akin to an un-putdownable book that I have seen. So fresh, vibrant in acting and absolutely precise sublime singing and interpretation. I think I will measure any other Cosi by the standard of this one.
Not just period costumes, but sets that are minimal, but bright and not jungle-jims or abstract pillars and stuff that do not distract, but bring out the essence of the interpretation. I am also overjoyed that it has been performed by artistes thus far not known to me... maybe they are doing well these days, must look that up now.
Just that I do not agree with one reviewer here who stated that the third set of Despina and the Don are not up to the mark.. Yes. Despina here is no Lucia Popp but is quite adequate for the role, and if Don had been more powerful, may have killed the character. I think he is just right for the role too...
I would unhesitatingly recommend this DVD to anyone irrespective of whether it is the first ever DVD of Cosi or even if one has all the other recordings of it.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Superb production even better in Blu-ray
This is a very fine version of this opera. The casting is excellent combining four believably young and attractive principal singers who are all capable of good acting as well as... Read more
Published 6 months ago by I. Giles
Wow
Just about perfection in every part of the performance. if you do not already own it, get it. If you cannot afford it then sell a child to raise the money and then buy it.
Published 8 months ago by The Fat Punter
Outstanding
Twelve reviews and not one of them less than five stars: such acclaim bears witness to how outstanding this production is. Read more
Published 12 months ago by H. A. Weedon
Amazing performance
I've seen this opera for the first time at The House in London just before closing for restauration. Read more
Published 23 months ago by R. L. M. Leurink-kroes
Fantastic!
This is a fantastic performance. If you like your Mozart's comedy of manners the way the composer and librettist conceived them then I don't think it could be better done. Read more
Published 23 months ago by Mr Swallow
Fantastico!!
Cosi Fan Tutte was not previously my favourite Mozart opera. It is now.
I caught this production on Sky Arts recent Glyndebourne season, watched it on the Saturday... Read more
I caught this production on Sky Arts recent Glyndebourne season, watched it on the Saturday... Read more
Published on 31 Aug 2009 by Mrs Pisaroni
a-m-a-z-i-n-g
This DVD is truly amazing. If you think of an opera as comprehensive art, i.e not only music but acting, scenery and even singers' outfits then you will find all of it in this... Read more
Published on 15 Jun 2009 by Klaudia
Cosi Fan Tutte
Excellent Production,good Casting,fine clear singing in original language and costumes.A pleasure from beginning to end.
Bob Milner
Bob Milner
Published on 2 Feb 2009 by Mr. J. R. Milner
Mozart - Cosi fan Tutte
Gorgeous, glossy fun. Royal Opera House and singers at the very top of their form. Persson in very fine voice indeed. Buy this one!
Published on 1 Feb 2009 by Ms. D. M. Neale
My first and last Cosí
Despite going to the opera for the first time when I was 7, it's taken me more than 20 years to really appreciate the artform and I've recently begun collecting DVDs. Read more
Published on 22 April 2008 by Karen Henriksen
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