The best production of this opera that I have ever seen!
I have never seen or heard a better production of this magnificent opera. The stage production is the most imaginative I have ever seen anywhere; the set is better than most I have ever seen outside of the Metropolitan Opera House and the way in which it is presented is hilarious; Dawn French's cameo as the Duchess Crackentorp, non-singing, almost makes one forget that this is actually a Donizetti bel canto opera and not a stand-up performance. All of this is before the singing. I have on C.D. the 1968 recording of this opera, starring Pavarotti and Joan Sutherland and I can tell you that all of the singers and chorus are better in this than in that (except, of course, for Juan Diego Florez, who can't compare with Pavarotti but is amazing all the same). Natalie Dessay's singing is magnificent and enthusiastic; she is also an excellent actress, which is not too common in opera singers. All of the supporting cast are outstanding and in any other production would play leading roles; they only don't because the stars are out of this world.
All in all this is one production which should be favoured above all others. Highly recommended.

The best entertainment ever.
This has to be the most exuberant production of all time. There is not a moment wasted and the direction and acting are sensational.

This is a lyrical tour de force. How does Natalie Dessay manage to control her voice whilst lying down or being thrown around? Juan Diego Flores is a delight and in fine voice and the supporting cast is wonderful.

A not-to-be-missed masterpiece by Donizetti.

Beautifully staged and sung and so funny
I'm afraid that there's not much to add to the previous review except to say that I agree with every word.

I am not qualified to judge anyone's singing but would just like to say that I enjoyed every moment and watch it over and over again.



All-star cast, 5-star entertainment
With the stellar cast of Dessay, Florez, Corbelli, and Palmer, one sits down to watch this DVD with high expectations. And one would not be disappointed.

Laurent Pelly's production is highly entertaining stuff. There is always something to occupy the eye, and though it may strike some people as 'overly busy', one can't help being amused at the sheer inventiveness of some of the stage business. He obviously demands a lot from his singers, especially the amazing Dessay, who has to be the most fearless artist performing today. As a comedienne she is her most physical, punctuating every vocal turn and flourish with a corresponding bodily movement. On first viewing, this kind of hyper-physical comedy is enchanting; however, I have to say it wears a bit thin on subsequent viewings, and I find myself longing for a comic portrayal that is more human and based more on character. Vocally, her coloratura is as bravura as ever, but too much pressure and spreading just above the upper passaggio in louder moments makes one fear a bit for her technical health.

Florez, in this particular performance, shows a tendency toward sharpness; but the elegant line, sensitive phrasing, and unerring style are all there.

Corbelli and Palmer are marvelous, as expected. It's gratifying to have on film a performance by Corbelli in a language other than his native Italian--he has excellent command of French, as well as German and English, which not many in the business are aware of. Dawn French, in the non-singing role of the Duchess of Krakenthorp (sp?) elicits guffaws of "Olympic" proportions (that's an inside joke; you have to watch the DVD to get it).

I'm sorry I can't compare this production with the other Florez "Fille" (the one with Ciofi), but I'll leave that to someone who has seen both. I can, however, heartily recommend this one.

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