Verdi - Rigoletto / Domingo, MacNeil, Cotrubas, Diaz, Levine, Metropolitan Opera

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful addition
Review: I can't understand why this DVD has taken so long to be released in the USA, I have had this in my possession since May this year. This is a fine Rigoletto, with wonderful singing on all accounts. A youthful looking and sounding Domingo and a touching vunerable Gilda from Cotrubas. MacNeil has not the best voice for Rigoletto at this stage of his career, but his acting and characterisation is excellent. Levine conducts well and the sets and costumes complete an excellent presentation. The bonus interviews are also a delight

Rating:
Summary: Classic vintage "Plac", with friends
Review: This is an excellent Rigoletto..one I am sure the audience felt very lucky to have witnessed. I agree that Cornell MacNeil is a little past his prime (but still excellent in role) and I agree with the other reviewers that Ileana Cortrubas is a sensitive Gilda (if visually not quite adolescent). Two small-role voices are memorable...the rich Monterone of John Cheek and the juicy Giovanna of Ariel Bybee (I hadn't heard of either singer until now). Beautiful Isola Jones as Maddelena wears a costume that defies physics, on her every inhale I involuntarily flinched -- but her singing was fine nonetheless. The Sparafucile (Justino Diaz) didn't deliver the dark tones you hope for in this role.

But, the reason for my review is the irrespressible ebullient Domingo. He is a force of nature. Is anyone happier and more in their element on stage than he? Sometimes he is just too high-test for the moment, but one always forgives his excess energy and just enjoys seeing and hearing a performing animal doing his thing.

Rating:
Summary: A classic rendition of the score
Review: This long delayed release of a 1977 performance immortalizes the not so often sung Duke of Domingo, at a time when he was already established as the Otello of his generation. He is in fine voice, displaying a lyric approach to the written music.Cotrubas is at the peak of her career and vocal powers, Gilda being one of her signature roles. Although MacNeil is no longer at his best, he is still capable of singing with a beautiful legato and effortless high notes, displaying also fine acting capabilities. Levine stylishly conducts the orchestra through an uncut score, following Verdi's tempo and markings.