Rossini - La Cenerentola / Glyndebourne Festival [DVD] [2004] [NTSC] [2001]

This 1983 Glyndebourne production of La Cenerentola is superb. Has this famous Rossini opera ever been staged and sung any better than this anywhere at any time? The hairstyles and costumes are particularly well designed and the staging is both imaginative and realistic. The scene in the maze is especially well done. In this production buffoonery is not allowed to eclipse the sinister characteristics of the stepfather and ugly sisters essential to an accurate interpretation of this classic folk tale. Cinderella forgives her stepfather and the ugly sisters, but the impression remains that they have been forced into submission and are not truly repentant. This may be a folk tale, but the depiction of each character involved is true to life and Rossini seems to have been aware of this when he fitted the words to his music. True fairy stories are tales fantasising about real life experiences, which is brought out particularly well in this production.

Both orchestration and singing are a delight. Kathleen Kuhlmann's interpretation of Cinderella is superb and perfectly matched by Laurence Dale's realistic interpretation of Ramiro. Marta Taddei and Laura Zannini get the ugly sisters just right and Claudio Desderi fitted into the role of Don Magnifico like a glove. I particularly liked Alberto Rinaldi's interpretation of Dandini and Roderick Kennedy was a firtsrate Alidoro. The chorus and crowd scenes were well staged with every extra acting their parts perfectly. One can only wonder where all these great singers are now almost 30 years on from this inspiring Glyndebourne production. Both Chaucer and Shakespeare valued folk tales and maybe more people than is realised like them too. I know I do, especially when they're staged and sung as well as in this wonderful production, which makes me so happy that I own a copy of it.

A 1983 production with great team work from the cast.

Picture quality 3 - 'old look' film quality. 4-3 aspect ratio.
Sound quality 3 - wide spread stereo. Very noticeable on headphones.
Sets 5 - a small stage but very impressive sets. Don Magnifico's house, wine cellar, maze, Don Ramiro's palace, coach traveling through the country side, storm and wedding scene.
Music making (orchestra) 5
Direction (camera work) 5
Singing/acting 4/4 - Magnifico 5/5, Cenerentola 5/5, Clorinda 4/4, Thisbe 4/4, Alidoro 4/3, Ramiro 3/3 and Dandini 5/5.
Costumes 5 - 17th century English 'Cavalier' style.

Recommended.

A fairy tale book production that stands the test of time. Beautiful costumes and stylish sets with superb soloists and chorus. Vintage Glyndebourne.