Movie Reviews for Rossini - La Cenerentola

Rossini - La Cenerentola

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Movie Reviews of Rossini - La Cenerentola

Movie Review: Flawed but a Knock-Out
Summary: 5 Stars

I see at this late date, there are plenty of reviews with the usual variation in opinion. Natural, since none of us see or hear the same production, none of us weigh elements in the same way. On the less than positive side, I found the scenic design rather depressing even in the scenes in which that was not the intended result. Clearly the design which was reasonable for the cinders scenes could not be adequately brightened for the palace scenes. With a pang of guilt, given their lowly status, I found the chorus and other supportive players, rather poorly molded into appropriate presences. No fault of theirs, of course, and the chorus did sing well. These were only slight distractions, however, from the impact of Rossini well sung and more than adequately played. That Dara displayed a failing voice is news to me. Perhaps my ordinary sound system (and less than ordinary hearing) did not catch nuances; for he not only acted superbly the role of a traditional Italian actor-singer playing Don Magnifico, he sounded marvelously well singing the part. The Prince and his Valet were admirably handled by Gimenez and Corbelli.
All involved are to be congratulated on allowing Rossini to be heard as he should be in the various individual and group songs that he created. These all were delivered with the elan required to give us the kind of kick that rock concerts must give their adherents.
Oh, yes, Bartoli. I suppose she did look far too healthy for an oppressed menial. Yes, I did notice what one would not notice from my seats at an opera, she had not at that time mastered, what I assume is quite difficult, creating the broad expression necessary for live theater while at the same time not overdoing what the camera closeup will amplify. Did you really care when she sang, were you not stirred by her true star quality in the concluding aria which roused the audience to a peak....as it did me as well. That was a star at work and what a pleasure to see and hear.

Movie Review: Magnífica 'Cenerentola'
Summary: 5 Stars

Esta función procedente de la Ópera de Houston de una de las mejores óperas de Rossini es sin duda la mejor versión visual disponible hasta la fecha de esta obra.
En lo vocal, todos rinden a un nivel estupendo. Comenzando por una CECILIA BARTOLI excelente, tanto en lo escénico como en lo vocal: su pirotécnica coloratura es de impresión y su voz es bellísima. Cantar el papel mejor que ella en la actualidad es muy dificil.
Junto a la joven Bartoli tenemos al veterano ENZO DARA, un Don Magnifico cuya voz no es especialmente hermosa (nunca lo ha sido) pero con muchas tablas, y con un conocimiento profundo de su personaje. Implicadísimo en la trama de principio a fin, siempre con mucha comicidad. Un clásico que se agradece.
El Don Ramiro de RAUL GIMENEZ es un derroche de clase, conocimiento de estilo rossiniano y belleza vocal. Su trabajo es digno del más fuerte de los aplausos.
El Dandini de ALESSANDRO CORBELLI, cómico y cantado a la altura de los mejores en este papel, sigue sumando puntos a un reparto sin fisuras, que se completa con el lujoso Alidoro de MICHELE PERTUSI y unas cómicas Clorinda y Tisbe, que hacen sus pinitos en los concertantes.
La dirección de BRUNO CAMPANELLA, aunque adecuada, podría pecar de algo lenta en algun momento.
La producción de la ópera de Houston es lujosa, variada, divertida y coherente con la historia; y la realización televisiva es muy adecuada.
Todo esto redondea una gran 'Cenerentola', que no debería faltar en casa de ningún aficcionado a la ópera. Imprescindible.

Movie Review: beautiful production, magnificent performances
Summary: 5 Stars

I am a great fan of Cecilia Bartoli, and have been so, since this, her role as the title character, in Rossini's La Cenerentola. In my opinion, Bartoli is one of the most beautiful, dynamic and brilliant mezzo sopranos of our time. She has such a rich and beautiful tone, to her phrasing, as well as her general delivery of the songs in her repertoire.

This, the Houston Opera House production, is about as far away from Disney's Cinderella as you can get. So, before you consider seeing this operatic version of Cinderella, discount all of your preconceived notions. La Cenerentola (Cecilia Bartoli), is a beautiful, selfless and very mistreated young lady, who is regularly taken advantage of by her wicked stepfather and equally wicked stepsisters. The stepsisters (with father in tow) are invited to a the prince's ball, where he will select the lucky lady who will become his wife. Of course, La Cenerentola is not allowed to attend the ball, and is expected to sit at home while her wicked family has all of the fun. However, fate has other plans. There isn't a fairy godmother in the picture, so much as a Philosopher, who is watching out for the poor girl's best interest.

The cast is so strong here. Particularly notable is the great performance by Raul Gimenez (a great Chilean tenor, who plays the part of Don Ramiro, the romantic prince). You will laugh and maybe even shed a tear over this beautiful production. The music is absolutely soaring and lovely to listen to.

Movie Review: Fall In Love with Cinderella All Over Again!
Summary: 5 Stars

Cecilia Bartoli doesn't just play Cinderella, she is Cinderella, and the Music of Rossini is as natural for her as breathing! This beautiful and important moment in the world of Opera, and particularly American Opera is a must own. This Cinderella story is not the one you're familiar with - it tells the story with a beautiful tribute to the human spirit and love. There are no pumpkins turning into carriages here!
Ms. Bartoli's talent and gift is evident throughout, along with the rest of this extraordinary cast. But it is Ms. Bartoli's final aria, "Nacqui all'affanno...Non più mesta" that will amaze you. It must be heard (seen), to be believed.
I was fortunate to see this performance live in Houston...Ms. Bartoli's American premiere performance. This DVD will be a wonderful memory captured in time.
See this DVD and fall in love with Cinderella again!

Movie Review: enchanting music in excellent performance.
Summary: 5 Stars

I have seen other performances of this La Cenerentola, but this performance is the best.
The cheerful and melodious music of Rossini, although not as wellknown as Barbiere de Sevilla, is still so enchanting and beautiful, and comes out as magnificent by the excellent performance and singing of Cecilia Bartoli in her specific deep rich soprano voice which is matched by the clear soft tenor voice of Raul Gimenez and clear baritone Enzo Dara. The combination of singers made this opera buffa so magnificent and enchanting while the costume and background decor represent the comical and funny situation.
We are so enthralled watching and listening to this performance from the beginning to the end of the opera.
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