Various Composers - Teatro La Fenice Opera Collection [DVD]

La Fenice appear to economise on stage sets, but view the financial constraints as an opportunity to create imaginative single sets, with slight modifications that project both the action and the singers to advantage.

Fine modern recordings made between 2002 and 2005. There are no big names here, but a plethora of fine performances, conducting (particularly Viotti and Scimone) and orchestral playing in the following rare operas:

DAPHNE (Richard Strauss) - 2005 Reck - The Myth of the wood nymph Daphne who refuses the love of Apollo and is turned into a laurel tree contains some exquisite music, the soprano singing for most of the opera in a very demanding role. Fortunately June Anderson gives a faultless performance with some really lovely singing and good acting and fine support all round. A rare opera (I think the only DVD version) in an outstanding production.

Le ROI de LAHORE (Massenet) - 2004 Viotti) - Enjoy a lot of lovely music in Massenet's breakthrough opera and stepping stone to his mature style. Exotic opera, particularly the ballet (comprising the entire third act) targeted to mid 19 century Parisian taste. Unfortunately the principal roles of Alim the King of Lahore and Sita a temple priestess are taken by two singers so incompatible there is no natural interaction: Giuseppe Gipali (Alim) whose acting combines a wooden expression and broad genetic gestures, and Ana Maria Sanchez (Sita) who is so opulently rounded she is of necessity reduced to static tableaux. However the GOOD NEWS is these two can really sing, as can Vladimir Stoyanov (Scindia). A second viewing is essential to appreciate both the opera and the performances.

THAIS (Massenet) - 2002 Viotti - Exotic meets erotic in this superb production. Eva Mei has both the vocal range for the part first in seducing the fanatical monk and then repenting of her courtesan past whilst Athanael (Michele Petusi)takes the opposite journey from religious fanatic to helpless adoration of Thais with equal excellence. Just one reservation, the erotic dance accompanying the "Meditation" will probably colour your appreciation of this lovely music for ever.

Les PECHEURS de PERLES (Bizet) - 2004 Viotti - Bizet was still finding his way with "Pecheurs" but this fine production makes the most of its strengths. Annick Massis as Leila gives a stunning performance, the highlight being the absolutely outstanding final act confrontation with Zurga (Luca Grassi) with extraordinary aggression from both singers. I am not alone in having a problem with the unusual tenor voice of Yasu Nakajima in the part of Nadir; however his website cites a roll call of fine teachers plus winning the scholarship of "La Scala Milan" and having a repertoire of twenty five operas.

PIA DE' TOLOMEI (Donizetti) - 2005 - Arrivabeni - Donizetti based the opera on an actual event preserved for posterity in the Fifth Canto of Purgatory in Dante's "Divine Comedy". Pia (Patrizia Ciofi) the wife of Nello della Piatra is observed trying to save the life of her brother and this is misconstrued by Nello as a love affair. Pia's convoluted sufferings caused as she tries to secretly save her brother create a plot of unremitting tragedy. Patrizia Ciofi is outstanding in the long belcanto role, and is supported by a very good cast.

MAOMETTO SECONDO (Rossini) - 2005 Scimone - The soldiers of the Venetian colony of Negroponte are losing their fight against Maometto Secondo (Lorenzo Regazzo). Paolo Erisso (Maxim Mironov) and his deputy Calbo (Anna Rita Gemmabella outstanding in the trouser role) try to save his daughter Anna (Carmen Gannatassio) but find she has fallen in love with a stranger - Maometto of course. The two tier stage set is excellent, and the singing of the principals very good. However the long first act in which virtually nothing happens is really only for dedicated Rossini afficianados, fortunately the second act is more involving. The libretto is far more intelligent than usual, but the characters seem stereotypes that no matter how hard the singers try (and try they do) cannot be brought to life.

CONCLUSION - a very fine DVD set that makes a great companion to the excellent eleven DVD "La Scala Collection". No opera lover will be disappointed.