Customer Reviews

Nozze as Ibsen play...with an Angel ... Brilliant - By: pointone, 22 Nov 2008
Mozart 22 - Le Nozze Di Figaro - Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra/Nikolaus Harnoncourt/Ann Netrebko [2006]

According to the producer this is Nozze realised as "an Ibsen or Strindberg play or a film by Ingmar Bergman". Amazingly all the components for this concept are includedin Nozze, bringing out subtle dark sides of the drama, for instance Susanna having a secret passion for the Count as well as her new husband.

The concept does require major changesin the acting & some changesin tempo, but these occur naturally. Probably the Count (Bo Skovhus) was the most difficult because much of the comedy resolves around him being deceived, but Skovhus does a great job.

The only thing I do not like about this production is the introduction of a silent dancing angel Cherubin (Uli Kirsch) who seems to add nothing to the drama. An additional dancing alter ego was successfully usedin the Salzburg "Finta Semplice), but it does not work for mein Figaro, & I hope dancers are not going to become a regular feature of opera productions.

The singing by this great international cast is exemplary, filming & orchestral support under Harnoncourt beyond reproach.

Open your mind to something new & enjoy a wonderful experience.

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Eurotrash - By: Ellen Drew, 25 Oct 2008
US Reviewers of this nonsense label this type of production Eurotrash. I was so vexed at this travesty of Le Nozze di Figaro that I gave it to a boot sale for animal charities. What a waste of Netrebko & D'Arcangelo!

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An insult to anyone who loves Mozart's Figaro - By: Mr. AJW Hegarty, 27 Dec 2007
Empty sets, invented characters, no levity & gimmicky direction. I'm afraid to say that everything that makes Figaro great is missing from this production. Frankly, I cannot see how any fan of the opera can feel anything but cheated by this, & the wasting of such a fine cast.

There are some saving graces - namely the singing of both d'Archangelo as Figaro & Schaeffer as Cherubino, but these really do not compensate for the absurdity of the production. Any sense of humour or life has been sucked from the opera by the bleak setting & ponderous conducting, which does otherwise fine singers like Skovhus & Roschmann no favours. The invention of a prancing, male angel adds nothing to the drama but a sense of irritation whenever he appears. Why is he even present? Why does Basilo suggest the Count lead Susanna to a seat when there isn't one on the set? Why does the Countess invite Susanna to enter her chamber when she's been standing next to her for four minutes? And why did the director ever feel the need to meddle with this operain the first place?

The Marraige of Figaro is one of my favourite operas, but I could not face watching beyond the middle of Act 2. To me, this is not Mozart's opera anymore. I was left with the distinct impression that the music & drama were an impediment to an arrogant director with no feeling of how to stage on of the most successful operas of all time.

If you want to hear the singers, buy the CD & avoid this dreadful, lifeless staging. Very disappointing.

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Figaro - well worth waiting for - By: G. D. Russell, 05 Jul 2007
This 2 DVD set was recorded live at the Salzburg Festival, Summer 2006. The stage set is minimal - an empty landing & a huge staircase but this is all that is necessary for such an outstanding cast to shine out. The main artists are Ildebrando D'Archangelo as Figaro, Anna Netrebko as Susanna, Bo Skovhus as the nervy Count Almavira, Dorothea Röschmann as the Countess & Christine Schãfer as Cherubino. Uli Kirschin a non-vocal part as the Cherub demonstrates much athletic prowess. All the voices are superb & the acting is excellent.
The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra under Conductor Nikolaus Harnoncourt is excellent. The cello & harpsichord continuo is discreet & beautifully played.
Sungin Italian, there are subtitlesin Italian, English, German, French, Spanish & Chinese. There is also an interview with members of the cast. Total playing time is 202 minutes. An excellent production, well worth waiting for.

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This is fantastic - By: Annette I. Christensen, 16 Jun 2007
I have waited for this for a long time. I just got the DVD & must say I love it. The scenery is beautiful, the conductor is a master, the Philharmonikes great & the operasingers just perfect - I love them all. Buy it - love it & take it with you to a lonely island.
Annette I. Christensen
Denmark