'Simon Boccanegra' from the Vienna State Opera impresses Robert Anderson. 'The Work is in the safest possible hands ...'

<<< << -- 4 -- Robert Anderson DYNAMISM AND SUBTLETY

Verdi's insistent cry for drama and yet more of it has produced a work with a succession of powerful scenes, even if their motivation has sometimes to be taken for granted. The work is in the safest possible hands, with chorus and orchestra of the Vienna opera under Daniele Gatti both sumptuous and alert. There is scrupulous concern for Verdi's dynamics, and the whole solo team makes an ensemble of maximum dynamism and subtlety. I could only wish they did not so frequently offer me throats as if for a close medical inspection. There is no doubt all is well healthwise, and I would prefer to be not so embarrassingly on stage as supernumerary member of the cast.

Giuseppe Verdi: Simon Boccanegra

DVWW-OPSIBOW DVD9 NTSC 16:9 anamoprphic Region 0 (worldwide) DD 5.1/DTS 5.1/LPCM Stereo NEW RELEASE 137' 2002 ORF, 2007 TDK Recording Media Europe SA

Thomas Hampson, Simon Boccanegra; Cristina Gallardo-Domâs, Maria Boccanegra; Ferrucio Furlanetto, Jacopo Fiesco; Boaz Daniel, Paolo Albiani; Dan Paul Dumitrescu, Pietro; Miroslav Dvorský, Gabriele Adorno; John Nuzzo, a captain of the crossbowmen; Songmi Yang, a maid to Amelia; Chorus and Orchestra of the Vienna State Opera; Daniele Gatti, conductor; Peter Stein, director; Stefan Mayer, sets; Moidele Bickel, costumes; Paul Weigold, musical production; Anton Reitzenstein, TV and video director

Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901): Simon Boccanegra - melodrama in a prologue and three acts (1857, revised 1881, libretto by Arrigo Boito after F M Piave and G Montanelli) - recorded live for ORF at the Vienna State Opera, October 2002, using sets and costumes from a production at the 2000 Salzburg Easter Festival

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