Reviews (34)

Verdi's Adaptian of Hugo's Story
This is an excellent performance of Verdi's "Rigoletto" based upon Vicor Hugo's "L'Roi S'Amuse (The King Amuses Himself) and is one of his finest operas. From start of finish this is a masterpiece. All the singers are well-polished and highly convincing. Ingvar Wixell's portrayal of the deformed court jester Rigoletto (renamed from Hugo's "Triboletto") in the court of Mantua was the best that I have ever seen. Pavarotti, who plays the Duke himself, is in top form as always (although such a pudgy Don Juan may seem slightly out-of-place, his acting is superb), and Edita Gruberova does as astounding job as Gilda, Rigoletto's daughter. The settings look genuine, the music is excellent and Wixell truly manages to capture the pain and humiliation of a man forced into being a fool by his deformities and social position. The history of the opera makes for an interesting study in censorship as well. Hugo himself preferred this opera to his own story that it was based on! The quartet at the end is partuclalry memorable and the murderer was so scuzzy and grungy looking that he was almost comical, although his deep bass was beautiful. Finely acted, visually appealing and great music. What more could one ask for?

a winner for Wixell
I usually do not care for "movie" versions of opera, preferring a filmed live performance, but this one is most enjoyable, and has some standout performances.
Released in 1983, it was made on location in Mantua, with good cinematography in a pallete of browns and dark greys.
Pavarotti is the Duke of Mantua, looking strong and robust, but I must confess I thought his performance very one-dimensional, continually loud, and as an actor is much the weakest in the cast.
Edita Gruberova's Gilda is extremely interesting; she gets stronger in each scene, and I found her performance to be quite touching and wonderful. Her "Caro Nome" is one that I truly loved, full of sweetness and vulnerability, and delicate trills.

Ingvar Wixell's Rigoletto is superb, brilliantly portraying the many sides of the hunchbacked jester, from maliciously plotting revenge, to tenderly loving his daughter and the memory of his wife. His voice is rich and full, and he makes the most of Verdi's gorgeous score.
Victoria Vergara is a stunning and seductive Maddalena, and Ferruccio Fulanetto's Sparafucile is a creepy villain with very scary jagged teeth, and both are in fine vocal form.
Riccardo Chailly conducts the Vienna Choir and Philharmonic with great pacing, and this is a Rigoletto well worth watching, even for those who like me, are not "movie" opera fans.

Great version, but i prefer the on-stage ones
I bought this dvd because, when i saw it for the first time (like 10 ten years ago) was the best sung version and the cast was superb. My favorites are the direction of Chailly (i find it great, dinamic and precise), the voice of Pavarotti (ONLY the voice, the acting sucks) especially singing my favorite aria "possente amor mi chiama", and giving a high D that i liked much. Now, i prefer the on-stage versions, so i don't like this DVD anymore. But i consider that this could be, in some way, a referencial version about what Rigoletto is musically...

Great version, but the new ones are better
I bought this dvd because, when i saw it for the first time (like 10 ten years ago) was the best sung version and the cast was superb. My favorites are the direction of Chailly (i find it great, dinamic and precise), the voice of Pavarotti (ONLY the voice, the acting sucks) especially singing my favorite aria "possente amor mi chiama", and giving a high D that i liked much. Now, i prefer the on-stage versions, so i don't like this DVD anymore. But i consider that this could be, in some way, a referencial version about what Rigoletto is musically...

Between 4 to 5 Stars
The music is wonderful particularly the contrapuntal lines... the lyrics are profound too. Vixwell is superb and he simply eclipsed young Pavaratti: he alone is worthy of every cent of the price. This is an opera filmed with real settings and excellent acting as though it's a movie. It's so easy to follow the story.

The picture is far from striking but is nonetheless acceptable, but don't expect too much from the recorded sound, albeit that it's good enough to carry the beauty of Vixwell's and Grunberova's singing. Credit should also be given to Vienna Philharmonic under Chailly which mixed every sound so well.

This DVD is a whole rather impressing. It's a shame that EMI haven't remastered it. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Just Great
I was not so much exposed to this opera although I am big fan for classical music especially Mozart's. One of my best friends was so kind to show me this video and I am greatful to that. I totally recommend this work for all those who love art because it does not only make you comforted by the music but even the decorations of the set is lovely and shows an art masterpiece. Own it and do not think twice.

Stratas at her best
This delightful Opera combines Mozart's most beautiful music with five outstanding voices, plus the outstanding voice and acting of Teresa Stratas, as the funny Despina. One cannot ask for more. I am sorry that it is not available in DVD, but surely the powers that be will see the obvious need for this soon. Fortunately for me, I was given the chance to see and hear this version of "Cosi Fan Tutte" by a good friend, and felt that I had to have it in my collection at once. You will too.

Sublime, penultimate -- the best opera video ever produced
The divas on this video will bring you to tears. You'll rewind passages again and again just to marvel at the beauty of the music and the voice. Honestly, only Nature, is all her magnificence, is as awesome as this masterpiece by Mozart -- and this video captures it perfectly. The production is superb, the sound is excellent, the acting is great, the sets are first-rate. And the singing is penultimate. There is absolutely no defect here. I have a collection of about 50 opera videos, and this is the best by far. Beg, borrow, or steal to find this, and you will cherish it forever. ... Read more

Reviews (34)

Verdi's Adaptian of Hugo's Story
This is an excellent performance of Verdi's "Rigoletto" based upon Vicor Hugo's "L'Roi S'Amuse (The King Amuses Himself) and is one of his finest operas. From start of finish this is a masterpiece. All the singers are well-polished and highly convincing. Ingvar Wixell's portrayal of the deformed court jester Rigoletto (renamed from Hugo's "Triboletto") in the court of Mantua was the best that I have ever seen. Pavarotti, who plays the Duke himself, is in top form as always (although such a pudgy Don Juan may seem slightly out-of-place, his acting is superb), and Edita Gruberova does as astounding job as Gilda, Rigoletto's daughter. The settings look genuine, the music is excellent and Wixell truly manages to capture the pain and humiliation of a man forced into being a fool by his deformities and social position. The history of the opera makes for an interesting study in censorship as well. Hugo himself preferred this opera to his own story that it was based on! The quartet at the end is partuclalry memorable and the murderer was so scuzzy and grungy looking that he was almost comical, although his deep bass was beautiful. Finely acted, visually appealing and great music. What more could one ask for?

a winner for Wixell
I usually do not care for "movie" versions of opera, preferring a filmed live performance, but this one is most enjoyable, and has some standout performances.
Released in 1983, it was made on location in Mantua, with good cinematography in a pallete of browns and dark greys.
Pavarotti is the Duke of Mantua, looking strong and robust, but I must confess I thought his performance very one-dimensional, continually loud, and as an actor is much the weakest in the cast.
Edita Gruberova's Gilda is extremely interesting; she gets stronger in each scene, and I found her performance to be quite touching and wonderful. Her "Caro Nome" is one that I truly loved, full of sweetness and vulnerability, and delicate trills.

Ingvar Wixell's Rigoletto is superb, brilliantly portraying the many sides of the hunchbacked jester, from maliciously plotting revenge, to tenderly loving his daughter and the memory of his wife. His voice is rich and full, and he makes the most of Verdi's gorgeous score.
Victoria Vergara is a stunning and seductive Maddalena, and Ferruccio Fulanetto's Sparafucile is a creepy villain with very scary jagged teeth, and both are in fine vocal form.
Riccardo Chailly conducts the Vienna Choir and Philharmonic with great pacing, and this is a Rigoletto well worth watching, even for those who like me, are not "movie" opera fans.

Great version, but i prefer the on-stage ones
I bought this dvd because, when i saw it for the first time (like 10 ten years ago) was the best sung version and the cast was superb. My favorites are the direction of Chailly (i find it great, dinamic and precise), the voice of Pavarotti (ONLY the voice, the acting sucks) especially singing my favorite aria "possente amor mi chiama", and giving a high D that i liked much. Now, i prefer the on-stage versions, so i don't like this DVD anymore. But i consider that this could be, in some way, a referencial version about what Rigoletto is musically...

Great version, but the new ones are better
I bought this dvd because, when i saw it for the first time (like 10 ten years ago) was the best sung version and the cast was superb. My favorites are the direction of Chailly (i find it great, dinamic and precise), the voice of Pavarotti (ONLY the voice, the acting sucks) especially singing my favorite aria "possente amor mi chiama", and giving a high D that i liked much. Now, i prefer the on-stage versions, so i don't like this DVD anymore. But i consider that this could be, in some way, a referencial version about what Rigoletto is musically...

Between 4 to 5 Stars
The music is wonderful particularly the contrapuntal lines... the lyrics are profound too. Vixwell is superb and he simply eclipsed young Pavaratti: he alone is worthy of every cent of the price. This is an opera filmed with real settings and excellent acting as though it's a movie. It's so easy to follow the story.

The picture is far from striking but is nonetheless acceptable, but don't expect too much from the recorded sound, albeit that it's good enough to carry the beauty of Vixwell's and Grunberova's singing. Credit should also be given to Vienna Philharmonic under Chailly which mixed every sound so well.

This DVD is a whole rather impressing. It's a shame that EMI haven't remastered it. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Bliss!
What a romp! This version of "Marriage of Figaro" has managed the unthinkable: I now believe that Figaro is Mozart's greatest opera, not "Don Giovanni" -- believe me, this took work! Prey is absolutely magnificent, handling both ends of the wide musical range of this role extremely well. His acting was wonderful, which was not at all unusual in this production. Maria Ewing is an adorable Cherubino and Freni is absolutely wonderful as the earthy and fun Susanna. Te Kanawa is a bit stiff, but it is only noticeable here and there -- partially because the other pricipals seem so at ease in their roles. DFD as the count (apparently his signature role from what I've read...) is impeccable. Add to all of this wonderful acting and singing a beautifully filmed setting, and you have bliss!

Definitley good
A great rendition of Mozart's best opera. Deitrich & Kiri blend together perfectly as Count and Countess, however, the set acoustics aren't too good, and the Cheribuno (Maria Ewig) isn't at all convincing. Mirella Freni makes a good Susanna, and Herrman Prey, the perfect Figaro. All round, it's a good performance, with only a few hiccups. Just unfortunate about the acting with voice over...Te Kanawa was suffering a nervous breakdown at the time and couldn't sing too well, so that's the reason.

The Best Ever
I was asked once, what example of man's achievements on earth would you propose to an alien visitor in order to enlighten the species? I replied 'The Complete Works of Mozart.......but that would be boasting'! It is with the same confidence that I can recommend this video. I loved the cinematic approach which greatly enhanced the drama and comedy in equal measure. The cast is the very best one could have assembled in a single production and Maria Ewing's Cherubino is disturbingly captivating. Visually it is stunning yet it is the sound which dominates. Karl Bohm and the Vienna Philharmonic are perhaps the very finest Mozartians. The music, both powerful and heartrending, is brilliantly played the libretto exquisitely sung and all superbly recorded.
It is the most treasured in my collection and I would recommend it to novice or expert. I just wish it was available on DVD........ at least that wouldn't wear out?

The very BEST. Too bad it is not available on DVD
I bought another version of this opera but I felt strange because I was missing the voices I was used to (from the metropopolitan video: essential opera). I could not bear it any more and I had to get this version that I consider to be very best. I love the voice of Maria Edwing (Cherubino)and also the voice of Mirella Freni (susana).

Not the best...at all!
I hate to sound like an absolute contrarian in views in the light of the glowing reviews above, but I urge you to take consideration of the points I make here before making your purchase. This is an absolute let-down. I belong to the set of people who like to keep opera and drama in the setting of a stage, and personally, I like opera videos that stay as close to a stage production as possible. The effects used in this film render the opera utterly ineffective. It resembles a cross between a cheap motion picture and a bad stage production. The magnificent overture and non-vocal music is relegated to the status of mere incident music behind titles, and the vocal performances are quite surprisingly bad. One never gets to SEE the orchestra, for heaven's sake! The voices of the protagonists are lacking in power and effectiveness, and.... well, without going into a lot more detail, I would safely and without doubt call this a rather bad buy on Mozart operatic literature. ... Read more