fyglia

This very traditional production by Pier'Alli boasts an enchanting Elvira in the young Georgian soprano Nino Machaidze, with Juan Diego Flórez as a peerless Arturo and Ildebrando d'Arcangelo a strong presence as Giorgio Valton. In this high-definition film of Bellini’s historical bel-canto drama, “I Puritani”, tenor superstar Juan Diego Flórez is partnered by new young Georgian soprano Nino Machaidze, in her first appearance on Decca. Joining them in a striking new staging by Pier’Alli at the Teatro Comunale di Bologna is celebrated bass baritone, Ildebrando D’Arcangelo. The context is England’s Civil War between the Roundheads (the Parliamentarians, or Puritans of the title) and the Cavaliers (Royalists). A love triangle between Arturo (a Puritan), Riccardo (a Royalist) and the beautiful Elvira results in a drama of escapes, disguises and captures, during which Elvira loses her reason, before a final pardon restores her senses and unites her with her beloved Arturo. This new production benefits from the use of a new critical addition, with significant added material.

Sliding marble walls, a mosaic-like floor, a leafless tree centre-stage, elegant costumes with its young cast and a superlative performance by Roberto Frontali as Simon Boccanegra, this production has all the ingredients to leave a lasting impression. The Italian baritone is a regular guest at the world's major opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera, La Scala Milan, the Royal Opera House Covent Garden, Zurich Opera House, the Staatsoper Berlin and Dresden's Semperoper. Born in 1979 and already principal conductor in Bologna, Michele Mariotti directs the ensemble in a bravura performance. Simon Boccanegra is perhaps not one of Verdi's best-known operas. The composer himself returned to revise the work on several occasions. The original opera was premiered in Venice in 1857, this revised version not until 1881. Although never considered one of Verdi's crowd pullers, it remains one of the composer's most beautiful creations. Verdi's music underpins this human drama in all its surprising twists and turns ... This captivating performance of the opera is now available on Blu-ray.

This is an opera that few tenors dare sing and which Florez has made his own throughout his career. There are a lot of high Cs and more than a few elaborate rages. Corradino is head-strong and not too smart (well, he is a tenor). Though of course Juan Diego is nothing if not smart, and very famous for his high Cs. This combination of character and singer is exploited to perfection by Mr. Florez in minimal moves and maximal voice and musicianship.” – Opera Today