This listing is for The Metropolitan Opera Riccardo Zandonai: FRANCESCA DA RIMINI VHS Video Tape.
Actors: Renata Scotto, Placido Domingo, Cornell MacNeil
Directors: James Levine
Format: Color, NTSC
Subtitles: English
Studio: Bel Canto / Paramount Home Video
Run Time: 148 minutes
Riccardo Zandonai's 1914 opera performed by a cast of three acclaimed singing actors - Renata Scotto, Placido Domingo, and Cornell MacNeil who bring the medieval characters to life in this production, filmed at the Metropolitan Opera in 1984. This opera is a prime example of the lush musical style of the late Romantic era, conducted here by James Levine. Just who talked the Met into producing this once (but no longer) popular opera, I don't know. However, the performance is from Renata Scotto's heyday and she and Domino, MacNeil and Levine put forth an estimable effort in promoting the passionately 'purple' score. There is much lovely music that stays in the mind and a great break from the standards.
In 1984, the Met mounted a new production, directed by Piero Faggioni, of Riccardo Zandonai's "Francesca da Rimini," after the purpled play by Gabriele d'Annunzio. Most of us knew the score from the 1969 recording of excerpts from Decca, starring Mario del Monaco and the magnificent Magda Olivero, conducted by Nicola Rescigno. Here, we had Renata Scotto, Placido Domingo, and Cornell MacNeil as the tragic triangle, conducted by James Levine. (This writer saw several rehearsals and performances of this production in the theatre.)
Faggioni's staging is really grand, recreating the theatre style of the verismo era, and resembling great silent-film acting. The detail and grace of his work here is indescribable. Ezio Frigerio's sets and Franca Squarciapino's costumes are truly magnificent. To have seen this in the theatre is to never forget the experience.
Scotto's performing here is sublime, her movements marvellously co-ordinated with the music to moving and authoritative effect. She was certainly one of the finest singing-actresses, and her voice, sometimes harsh, is totally expressive, her musicality exquisite.
Domingo fits the character of Paolo il Bello to perfection, and MacNeil roars like a beast in a stunning portrayal of the betrayed husband. The remainder of the cast could hardly be improved. Especially noteworthy are Richard Fredricks, William Lewis, Natalia Rom (a great artist and a marvellous Biancofiore, near the start of her career), Gail Robinson, Isola Jones, Anthony Laciura, and Brian Schexnayder.
A thundering, transcendent experience.
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