Rossini: Il Barbiere di Siviglia (The Barber of Seville)/ Bartoli, G. Quilico, Kuebler, Feller, R. Lloyd; Ferro/Schwetzingen Festival
by Michael Hampe, Claus Viller
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DVD details
Actor: Carlos Feller, Cecilia Bartoli, David Kuebler, Gino Quilco, Robert LloydDirector: Claus Viller, Michael Hampe
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); French (Original Language); Spanish (Original Language)
Format: Classical, Color, DVD, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 157 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2003-07-15
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Arthaus Musik
DVD Reviews of Rossini: Il Barbiere di Siviglia (The Barber of Seville)/ Bartoli, G. Quilico, Kuebler, Feller, R. Lloyd; Ferro/Schwetzingen Festival
DVD Review: A Must Own Five Star 'Barber'
Summary: 5 Stars
'The Barber of Seville' - fast, fun, and, at times, frenetic, is well deserving of its title as the greatest opera buffa ever composed. When I was searching for a DVD of my favorite opera, there were quite a few choices available; this was the one I picked, despite being familiar with only one of the performers, Bartoli. I wasn't disappointed. This is a great `Barber,' that captures the energy and humor of both the story and score. When it comes to the `Barber,' I prefer a traditional staging, rather than a modernized, contemporary, conceptual, or experimental avant-garde one. This is a traditional production and proves the adage of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."
The costumes, although neutral, (greys, black, and beige), are perfect; especially Figaro's "Spanish dandy" attire, complete with snood, as described in the original Beaumarchais play notes. Kudos to referencing the original source material. It almost seems as if the neutral tones of the costumes and sets was a deliberate decision, in order to allow the performers and music to provide the real color, which is abundant and full of infectious verve.
There is a lot of movement in this production, which compliments the score, and the cast is nimble, making extensive use of numerous props, but without any of the actions feeling forced or unnatural, nor distracting attention away from the vocals, which are excellent. A perfect example is when Figaro, while chatting with Rosina, warms a `curling iron' over the flame of a candle, prior to dressing her hair. The performers, especially the trio of attractive, youthful (looking) leads, act, rather than remain static, as they sing or deliver their recitatives; the cast has a well established rhythm and seem to be truly enjoying themselves, making it all the more enjoyable for the viewer.
Bartoli gives us a charming Rosina, displaying the character's winsomeness, coyness, slyness, and determination. Her "Contro un cor," aria, in the second act, is simply lovely. Quilico is a solid Figaro and really embodies the crafty, titular character, although, on a few occasions, overplays a bit, yet when "playing it straight," so to speak, he's great to watch. Kuebler, as Almaviva, is wonderful, expertly conveying the Count's lovesick nature (and the hilarious lengths he'll go to to win his Rosina). His "Ecco ridente," is delivered in a bright, ringing tenor, and his acting skills, as well as comedic timing, are superb. He's almost chameleonic, so different is his body language and timber of voice in the beginning of the second act, as the fidgety Don Alonso, (a nice contrast to the `drunk' soldier at the end of act one, also wonderfully played). Feller's Bartolo is not presented as a buffoon; he's ever watchful and suspicious and, quibbles aside on the "A un dottor" aria, he makes a fine antagonist.
A previous reviewer commented on the smallness of the venue; this works quite well, actually. There is a more intimate feel and the smaller stage increases the sense of claustrophobia, making us more sympathetic to Rosina's plight, and convinces us of the difficulty the two lovers encounter when attempting to engage in a tête à tête or steal a kiss, helping the viewer to become emotionally invested in their affaire de coeur.
Apart from occasional moments when it's difficult to hear the performers on one side of the stage (either due to miccing or mixing issues) and a few errors in the subtitles (act one for instance; Almaviva's "avanti, avanti," - "retire, retire" to the musicians is translated incorrectly, making Kuebler's dismissive wave seem out of place) this is a must have performance DVD. For me, it has more than paid for itself through innumerable viewings; I never grow tired of it. My only regrets are that it is not presented in widescreen format and that no audio CD is available. If you're looking for a fun, traditional version, with laugh out loud moments, or if you're just beginning to explore the world of opera, this is the 'Barber' to add to your collection.
More Rossini: Il Barbiere di Siviglia (The Barber of Seville)/ Bartoli, G. Quilico, Kuebler, Feller, R. Lloyd; Ferro/Schwetzingen Festival reviews:
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Description of Rossini: Il Barbiere di Siviglia (The Barber of Seville)/ Bartoli, G. Quilico, Kuebler, Feller, R. Lloyd; Ferro/Schwetzingen Festival
Rossini was 24 years old when in 1816 he wrote his seventeenth opera and most renowned "buffa", The Barber of Seville, in barely three weeks. The accompanying recording is from the 1988 Schwetzinger Festspiele. The production by Michael Hampe, director of the Cologne Opera at that time, is distinguished by humorous direction of movement which never degenerated into slapstick. It aimed for a high tempo and abandoned the alienation effect to allow for an increasing exuberance in performance by the protagonists. Ezio Frigerios?s stage settings are equally as appealing to the eye as Mauro Pagano?s costumes, whose design consciously strengthens the comic impact of the characters. Resounding from the orchestra pit is an exceptionally defined, coherent and graceful performance of Rossini?s composition. Gabriele Ferro appreciates how to effect subtle differentiations and in so doing strikes an ideal balance between the orchestra and the stage. The choir ensemble is first class, led by an irresistible Cecilia Bartoli.Classical Music CDs
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