Marino Faliero
- TV Movie
- 2002
- 2h 39m
YOUR RATING
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Featured review
A Donizetti production with electrifying drama and superb singing
Marino Faliero is very different to the usual Donizetti I know, more dramatic than most- some might say that it is like Donizetti's answer to Verdi's Simon Boccanegra- but with the same distinctive Donizetti style. It is not one of his best like Lucia Di Lammermoor, L'Elsir D'Amore and Don Pasquale, but it is also not an opera to dismiss either. I loved every minute of this production. The sets are dark yet traditional and appropriate and the costumes are suitably regal. The technical values of the DVD are also pleasing, occasionally the sound is a little on the boxy side but nothing majorly problematic,- it at least captures the singing and orchestra well with no favouring- the video directing is unobtrusive and not too complicated or simple and considering the complexity of the plot the subtitles for newbies to Marino Faliero(like me) are most welcome.
The stage directing is never pedestrian or distasteful. It makes the most of the story's complexity without making it more so. The duet between Mariella Devia and Rockwell Blake was just hair-raising. From a musical point of view, the production is exceptional. The orchestral playing is both stylish and dramatic, and the conducting allows the drama to flow and to come through without rushing or dragging. He succeeds also in phrasing and shaping with intelligence, paying attention to textural balances, allowing room to breathe and being accommodating to the performers. Truly fine lead performances also. Mariella Devia was the most impressive for me. Few sopranos have sung this well at 54(excepting Sutherland and Gruberova), she does the trills, ornamentation and runs with technical brilliance, a terrific sense of drama good tuning and never sounding as though she's screaming the notes. She also gives her all into the role dramatically, a large part of why her and Blake's duet made such an impact.
Rockwell Blake has a difficult role also but, as he did in his Rossini roles, makes it sound easy. He is a very passionate performer though with a tendency to try a little too hard like seen occasionally in his facial expressions, but vocally and technically he is spot on. Of recent times, only Florez comes close to matching him in the Bel-Canto style. Michele Pertusi oozes nobility in the role of Marino Faliero the Doge, his authoritative acting, imposing height and (I think) beautiful voice really show. Roberto Servile mayn't have the most unique of sounds, then again you don't necessarily need to, but he is very reliable still and maintains interest. Summing up, a wonderful production with nothing coming across as any kind of liability. 10/10 Bethany Cox
The stage directing is never pedestrian or distasteful. It makes the most of the story's complexity without making it more so. The duet between Mariella Devia and Rockwell Blake was just hair-raising. From a musical point of view, the production is exceptional. The orchestral playing is both stylish and dramatic, and the conducting allows the drama to flow and to come through without rushing or dragging. He succeeds also in phrasing and shaping with intelligence, paying attention to textural balances, allowing room to breathe and being accommodating to the performers. Truly fine lead performances also. Mariella Devia was the most impressive for me. Few sopranos have sung this well at 54(excepting Sutherland and Gruberova), she does the trills, ornamentation and runs with technical brilliance, a terrific sense of drama good tuning and never sounding as though she's screaming the notes. She also gives her all into the role dramatically, a large part of why her and Blake's duet made such an impact.
Rockwell Blake has a difficult role also but, as he did in his Rossini roles, makes it sound easy. He is a very passionate performer though with a tendency to try a little too hard like seen occasionally in his facial expressions, but vocally and technically he is spot on. Of recent times, only Florez comes close to matching him in the Bel-Canto style. Michele Pertusi oozes nobility in the role of Marino Faliero the Doge, his authoritative acting, imposing height and (I think) beautiful voice really show. Roberto Servile mayn't have the most unique of sounds, then again you don't necessarily need to, but he is very reliable still and maintains interest. Summing up, a wonderful production with nothing coming across as any kind of liability. 10/10 Bethany Cox
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- TheLittleSongbird
- Mar 10, 2013
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- Runtime2 hours 39 minutes
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