Puccini: Turandot at the Metropolitan Opera
by Kirk Browning
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Actor: Eva Marton, Hugues Cuenod, Leona Mitchell, Paul Plishka, Plácido DomingoDirector: Kirk Browning
Brand: Universal Studios
Producer: Samuel Paul
Writer: Carlo Gozzi
Writer: Giuseppe Adami
Writer: Renato Simoni
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown), Dolby Digital 5.1; Chinese (Subtitled); English (Subtitled); French (Subtitled); German (Subtitled); Italian (Subtitled); Spanish (Subtitled); Italian (Original Language), Dolby Digital 5.1
Format: Color, DTS Surround Sound, DVD, NTSC, Subtitled
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 134 minutes
Published: 2011-10-24
DVD Release Date: 2003-08-12
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Umvd Labels
DVD Reviews of Puccini: Turandot at the Metropolitan Opera
DVD Review: Puccini's Great Unfinished Opera
Summary: 4 Stars
For those who are familiar with 'Madame Butterfly' and 'Tosca', 'Turandot' is a considerable hurdle for some opera viewers and lovers. Puccini was the great heir to Verdi, he had established himself with 'Manon Lescaut' and created hits with his verismo works such as 'Il Tabaro' and 'La Boheme'
So why is 'Turandot' a hurdle? First it was left unfinished. Puccini died in November 1924 succumbing to throat cancer. Alfano, under the great conductor Toscanini finished the opera. The composer had left behind sketches and notes for the last act. (When you watch the opera, everything is Puccini until Liu's final aria in Act III, scene 1.) So what begins as Puccini ends as what others believe Puccini wanted. Of course it is excellent, true to form and as good as its going to get. Secondly, despite Calaf's and Liu's moving arias (especially 'Nessum Dorma' made famous by the NFL and 'Moonstruck'), the music is getting closer and closer to the modern styles of Strauss, Berg and the atonal crowd of composers of the early twentieth century. Where before we hear the beautiful motifs of Mimi and Rudolfo, flowing in and out of the music, 'Turandot' offers a musical circus of expressions, medleys, tempos. It is a richer Puccini, diverse, eclectic, multicultural but not as endearing.
In consideration of the performances, I feel strongly it is Leona Mitchell as Liu that steals the show. As an audience we are drawn to the hero because he challenges Turandot, he wants to solve her three riddles and marry, all at the risk of losing his life. Yes, it is captivating and it keeps us bound to the story. But Domingo as Calaf and Eva Marton as the Princess, although we are satisfied with their performance, not completely moved. Perhaps it is the role of Liu but I'm sure, very positive it was Mitchell's delivery - her singing gave me shivers. This also has to do with Puccini's style at the time. When Domingo and Marton are given the chance to sing, they are closer to the modern whereas Liu's arias feel closer to the earlier Puccini most of us know and love. I fell in love with Mitchell's voice.
Domingo's strongest role, I feel is Otello. Here, he is just a little too close to not pulling it off. His 'Nessun Dorma' doesn't have the gravity and power of Pavarotti's. If there were any other weaknesses, it doesn't show until he sings at night about how none shall sleep. Impressive, obviously but it won't shatter through your soul. I still think Domingo is a better actor and his love for the princess is heartfelt.
This opera is a satisfying challenge. The staging is excellent, the sets incredible, all the exotic notes are there, the chorus delivers. Zeffirelli's direction is a must-see. It is a visual splendor matched with a haunting fairy tale story. Well worth the time and dedication to know it but truly, keep your eyes and ears open for Mitchell. She makes this production shine.
Description of Puccini: Turandot at the Metropolitan Opera
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