Meyerbeer - Il Crociato in Egitto (Emmanuel Villaume, Michael Maniaci, Patrizia Ciofi) [2007]
NTSC 16:9 (720x480) VBR Auto Pan&Scan | Italiano (LPCM, 2 ch); (Dolby AC3, 6 ch) | 7,75+5,94Gb (2*DVD9)
Classical | Label: Dynamic | Sub: Italiano, English, Francais, Deutsch, Espanol | 208 min
NTSC 16:9 (720x480) VBR Auto Pan&Scan | Italiano (LPCM, 2 ch); (Dolby AC3, 6 ch) | 7,75+5,94Gb (2*DVD9)
Classical | Label: Dynamic | Sub: Italiano, English, Francais, Deutsch, Espanol | 208 min
This opera marks a turning point in two ways. It sets the direction for Italian opera after Rossini and it's international success leads to Meyerbeer's Paris operas. Indebted to Rossini, yes - but it in a distinct voice - Meyerbeer's. It's a leaner Meyerbeer than Paris - no "effects without causes" here, although the plot is not the finest. Not much action. More about revelations between characters. But it is not just istorically interesting. It offers many delights during it's Wagnerian length. Act 1 has three gorgeous duets. Act 2 offers an extended scene for the soprano - and it's not a mad scene - she's at the edge but totally sane. Patrizia Ciofi is as usual stugendous. Why doesn't she sing this side of the ocean? All the singers are good but Michael Maniaci - the countertenor hero is especially noteworthy. The production uses minimal staging to maxmum effect. We do have the Crusader's ship on stage. The costumes are historically appropriate. It's also enligtening that the Christian's come off as more fanatical than the Muslims.By Richard (Minneapolis, Mongolia).
Performer:
Aladino – Marco Vinco (bass)
Palmide - Patrizia Ciofi (soprano)
Osmino – Iorio Zennaro (tenor)
Alma – Silvia Pasini (mezzo)
Adriano di Monfort – Fernando Portari (tenor)
Felicia - Laura Polverelli (mezzo)
Armando d’Orville - Michael Maniaci (male soprano)
First slave – Luca Favaron (tenor)
Second slave – Emanuele Pedrini (baritone)
Orchestra e Coro del Teatro La Fenice
Conductor - Emmanuel Villaume
Director - Pier Luigi Pizzi
MICIEV