Release Date
09 Nov, 1996
Runtime
02:02: (HH:MM)
Synopsis
A sublime production of Giordano's neglected verismo gem of an opera
This live from the Met telecast from October 1996 of Giordano’s infrequently performed verismo gem is an absolute pleasure to watch and listen to and I highly recommend it. Nicholas Joel’s production is extremely elegant while at the same time being simple and uncluttered. Act I, for example, is dominated by an enormous gilt-framed mirror precariously tilted. I assume that it is a metaphor for the imminent downfall of the decadent aristocracy at the party given by the Contessa di Coigny. The costumes designs by Hubert Monloup are terrific. The prerevolutionary costumes in Act I are simply stunning each one individually tailored for the choristers and major performers.
Photos
Luciano Pavarotti
Maria Guleghina
Juan Pons
Stephanie Blythe
Paul Plishka
Michel Sénéchal
Jeffrey Wells
James Levine
Luigi Illica