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C Major

Verdi: I Vespri Siciliani [Teatro Regio di Parma] Blu-ray Review

Posted May 8th, 2013 by Lawrence D. Devoe, MD

Verdi: I Vespri Siciliani [Teatro Regio di Parma] Blu-ray Review

While performed on a practically bare stage, this production of Verdi’s infrequently played I Vespri Siciliani receives superb singing and musical direction.

Paul Anka: Live in Switzerland Blu-ray Review

Posted April 14th, 2013 by Lawrence D. Devoe, MD

Paul Anka: Live in Switzerland Blu-ray Review

Pop legend Paul Anka puts on a show at the Basel AVO Sessions that belies his 71 years. Well recorded, this is an excellent document of a fabulous entertainer.

Giuseppe Verdi: Rigoletto [Teatro Regio di Parma] Blu-ray Review

Posted April 7th, 2013 by Lawrence D. Devoe, MD

Giuseppe Verdi: Rigoletto [Teatro Regio di Parma] Blu-ray Review

Rigoletto, one of Verdi’s most popular operas, receives a Teatro di Regio Parma production that is beautifully shot but suffers from the vocal inadequacies of some of its principals.

Verdi: Stiffelio [Teatro Regio di Parma] Blu-ray Review

Posted April 6th, 2013 by Lawrence D. Devoe, MD

Verdi: Stiffelio [Teatro Regio di Parma] Blu-ray Review

A rarely performed middle Verdi opera, this Parma production gives us a good reason to watch and welcome a work that will be unfamiliar to many operagoers.

Verdi: Il Trovatore [Teatro Regio di Parma] Blu-ray Review

Posted April 6th, 2013 by Lawrence D. Devoe, MD

Verdi: Il Trovatore [Teatro Regio di Parma] Blu-ray Review

Il Trovatore receives an understaged and mostly undersung performance from the Teatro Regio di Parma. Headliner Marcelo Alvarez is the main reason to watch this Blu-ray, but unfortunately, he is also the only reason to watch it.

Giuseppe Verdi: La Battaglia di Legnano [Teatro Regio di Parma] Blu-ray Review

Posted March 6th, 2013 by Lawrence D. Devoe, MD

Giuseppe Verdi: La Battaglia di Legnano [Teatro Regio di Parma] Blu-ray Review

Part of the Tutto Verdi series from C Major, this is a seldom-performed minor masterpiece with a terrific score.The opera receives a strong performance with this 2012 Teatro Verdi Trieste production and gives viewers an opportunity to see a work that will be unlikely to receive a staging outside of Italy.

Giuseppe Verdi: Il Corsaro [Teatro Regio di Parma] Blu-ray Review

Posted March 4th, 2013 by Lawrence D. Devoe, MD

Giuseppe Verdi: Il Corsaro [Teatro Regio di Parma] Blu-ray Review

One of Verdi’s least performed operas, Il Corsaro receives a good if not great rendering by the Parmese forces and the principal soloists helped by the baton of maestro Montanaro.

Giuseppe Verdi: Luisa Miller [Teatro Regio di Parma] Blu-ray Review

Posted March 2nd, 2013 by Lawrence D. Devoe, MD

Giuseppe Verdi: Luisa Miller [Teatro Regio di Parma] Blu-ray Review

Luisa Miller falls into Verdi’s middle period and, unlike other operas from that era, is an uneven work, both musically and dramatically. This 2006 performance has a number of strong contributions from its principal singers and musical director who do their best to make a case for this opera.

Verdi: Alzira [Orchestra Hayden di Bolzano e Trento] Blu-ray Review

Posted January 30th, 2013 by Lawrence D. Devoe, MD

Verdi: Alzira [Orchestra Hayden di Bolzano e Trento] Blu-ray Review

Alzira, a rarely heard early Verdi opera, receives its Blu-ray premiere with this concert performance from C Major. Uneven singing and the lack of staged drama undermine the impact of this production.

Verdi: I Masnadieri [Teatro di San Carlo] Blu-ray Review

Posted January 30th, 2013 by Lawrence D. Devoe, MD

Verdi: I Masnadieri [Teatro di San Carlo] Blu-ray Review

A real rarity, Verdi’s I Masnadieri presents a strong score well handled by cast and orchestra in this performance from the Teatro di San Carlo. The only snag in an otherwise worthy production is the bizarre staging and costume design.