I’ve definitely decided that I Lombardi is my least favourite Verdi opera, although it does have some lovely music, especially the violin solo before Oronte’s death. I think the problem is that there are two stories, with the conflict between the two brothers being so much more powerful that the rather trite star crossed lovers plot point. This is in contrast to the much more taut drama in I due Foscari which I saw the other day. This production is quite serviceable and the singing is OK, but nothing that is going to change my mind about this opera.
I found this production of Madama Butterfly so moving (partly due to Patricia Racette and partly the little puppet Sorrow, that I’ve decided to buy the DVD (saw it on YT).
Ciro in Babilonia is not one of Rossini’s more engaging operas, but Podleś and Pratt are great and the Cecile B de Mille production is spot on.
This is my first encounter with Die Soldaten. A depressing story alla Wozzeck, Berg meets Jazz, a massive orchestra, fiendishly hard to sing (some of the singers get a bit hoarse with all the huge interval leaps). But the great thing about this DVD is the amazing set which runs all the width of the Salzburger Felsenreitschule, complete with horses and roistering soldiers. There is even a tightrope walking sequence. Recommended.
Boris Godunov - Another good production from the Met (I think you saw this live, Alma). René Pape is my favourite currently active bass. I don’t think I’ve ever heard him sound less than gorgeous.
I’d forgotten what fun Il Barbiere di Siviglia is – this production from L’Opera de Lille has an energetic young cast in a lively production. Still available to stream.
I’ve subscribed to Spotify premium which is fun as you can do some no pressure exploring.
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