Mozart: Le Nozze Di Figaro (Teatro Real: TR97001BD) [Blu-ray] [2011][Region Free]

This performance from 2009 is a new production of the opera by Emilio Sagi and is of the full non-cut version of the opera. This is important as it makes sure that the original balance of the composition as conceived by Mozart is retained with all characters fully drawn by the appropriate recitatives and arias. This desire for completeness was very important to Sagi and conductor Lopez Cobos as they individually explain in the accompanying bonus interview.

This approach extends to the staging which is not only generous in its sumptuousness but also manages to create a great sense of 3D. This is done through imaginative and frequent use of intermediate gauze curtaining beyond which relevant action continues supplementing that of the foreground. The fine costuming continues these themes of historically accurate and generous detailing.

In summary therefore it would be fair to state that this is a remarkably satisfying feast for the eyes and the senses in terms of staging.

Great attention has been brought to bear on the roles of all the characters seen on the stage at any one time and also wherever positioned both in terms of drama and stage depth. These roles never cease to act their parts fully in character even when not the prime focus of attention, thus giving a great boost to the continuing sense of reality. This was a prime aim of the director and in that he totally succeeds. He also has firmly established the various connections with Seville by underlining Mozart's inclusion of the Fandango which would have been known to both the Count and the Countess as well as Figaro. (See Rossini's Barber of Seville).

Musically this is a first rate production with characterful singing of accuracy delivered by everyone without exception. Tezier, as the Count, gives the most impressive performance I have ever seen from him largely because he is so fully inside the part that he is able to rise beyond the notes and is really able to communicate to those on stage throughout. He is ably supported by Barbara Frittoli as the Countess, now ten years older than when she gave a wonderful rendition of Mrs Ford, a Merry Wife of Windsor, in the Royal Opera's production of Verdi's Falstaff. At this point in the story she is just about the correct age to be believably paired with Tezier as his wife.

Luca Pisaroni is also outstanding as the rather naïve, young Figaro partnered by Isabel Rey as Susanna, his new wife, and claimed by Jeannette Fischer as Marcellina, ultimately revealed as his long-lost mother. Both sing and act their parts with all the skill resulting from years of operatic experience. However, as the clarity of the excellent recording only makes too clear, both of these women are about the same age as each other and certainly much more advanced in years as the much younger groom/son they covet. This, in a production that aims at such veracity of detail, may seem a little odd to some while others will not consider it a matter of importance especially as their roles are otherwise so well done. All the other parts are taken and delivered with equal commitment and complete conviction, and I include the many non-singing roles.

The recording provides excellent DTS-HD sound as well as stereo and reveals the excellence of the orchestra and the many orchestral details so frequently brought out by Lopos Corbos under his exhilarating musical direction. The visual recording is in the same league with crisp and accurate camera work. Technically we seem to be moving into a new era of technical excellence as this is not the only such example that I have been fortunate enough to experience lately.

This outstanding issue must surely please a great number of people for a great deal of the time. In my opinion it would be less than just to award less than the full 5 stars, so well done Teatro Real for yet another fine recording on your new `own' label.

I am no expert on this opera with its somewhat typical-for-the-period involved tale of love and betrayal, but this is a very fine disc. Produced by the same mob that did the excellent Barber of Seville, it is traditional with just a touch of modern clean lines here and there. The cast are outstanding and just about everyone looks the part. The short interview doco is very interesting and overall this is an outstanding contribution to opera on BD. No need to hesitate