Verdi - I Lombardi / Carreras, Dimitrova, Carroli, Bini, Gavazzeni, La Scala Opera
by Brian Large
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Carlo Bini, Ghena Dimitrova, José Carreras, Maria Luisa Vannini, Silvano CarroliDirector: Brian Large
Brand: Kultur
Writer: Temistocle Solera
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language)
Format: Classical, Color, DVD, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 128 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2004-08-31
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Kultur Video
Movie Reviews of Verdi - I Lombardi / Carreras, Dimitrova, Carroli, Bini, Gavazzeni, La Scala Opera
Movie Review: La Scala comes up trumps with its 'Lombardi'
Summary: 5 Stars
One of the most unjustly neglected operas in the Verdi canon is his fourth opera 'I Lombardi' premiered in 1843. After the success of 'Nabucco' another opera was commissioned by the La Scala impresario Bartolomeo Merelli. At this stage in his career Verdi was relatively insecure.Though 'Nabucco' was a furore the boos and hisses that had greeted 'Un Giorno di Regno' still rang in his ears. Consequently 'I Lombardi' largely rehashes the format of its predessor in the use of massive choral passages. The Act IV chorus 'O signore dal tetto natio' is clearly an attempt to repeat 'Va pensiero'. Critics have unjustly accused the composer of cynicism in sticking to a successful formula. I personally consider that insecurity played its part. The opera's premiere was more successful than that of 'Nabucco' largely because the Milanese identified more with the Lombards than with the Herbrews of 'Nabucco' but elsewhere 'Nabucco was the more appreciated opera.This DVD production comes from the theatre of its premiere and serves the opera very well. The La Scala chorus sing very movingly in the 2 big choruses 'Gerusalem' and the aforementioned 'O signore...' and thrillingly in the numerous battle hymns. The cast is not to be faulted. In the soprano role Ghena Dimitrova, a battleaxe as Abigaille shows her softer side and produces some lovely sounds. As Oronte Jose Carreras looks every inch the romantic hero and produces sounds to match. His death scene in the Act III trio 'Qual volutta trascorrere' (made famous from the 78 era by the 2 recordings Caruso/Alda/Journet and Gigli/Rethberg/Pinza) is not to be bettered. They are matched in dramatic ability and beauty of tone by Silvano Carroli a baritone Pagano rather than the usual bass. Carlo Bini is superb in the second tenor role of Arvino, a rather thankless part in some ways. (Imagine having to sing as much as he does and still end up as second fiddle!)Gianandrea Gavazzeni conducts superbly even if he does commit the (venial) sin of giving only one verse to the cabaletta della visione.The production captures nicely the period of the crusades
Summary of Verdi - I Lombardi / Carreras, Dimitrova, Carroli, Bini, Gavazzeni, La Scala Opera
VERDI:I LOMBARDI - DVD MovieAnother Verdi triumph from the archives of La Scala, this 1984 production of one of the master's early popular successes showcases José Carreras's truly glorious instrument, a tenor voice of loveliness and delicacy that, in its abbreviated prime, was one of the true operatic glories. He sounds superb as the hero, Oronte, and, as his paramour Giselda, Ghena Dimitrova nearly matches Carreras's ringingly beautiful tone: their wonderful Act 4 duet is almost too much of a good thing.
Gianandrea Gavazzeni conducts an exciting performance by the La Scala Orchestra, while the La Scala Chorus claims as its vocal peak the striking choral writing that begins Act 3. Gabrielle Lavia's staging, evocative and atmospheric without being cloyingly literal, probably looked better in the opera house, but it transfers effectively to the smaller screen. But this I Lombardi is a souvenir and reminder of José Carreras at his best. --Kevin Filipski
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