This Rigoletto in scene one is set in the 16th century, thereafter in approximately the 1850's. I am all for that,but I thought the real traditionalists might be a bit up set. However, for once they are happy with the staging and opera over all. So they should be. Maestro Santi, a great opera conductor, who at time of recording this opera, must have been at least 76. His tempi are swift, always are. He conducts without the score.He brings out the pathos, passion and melodies in the score as if he were still a young man.Bravo. His interaction with the cast during the applause is something to behold.
Rigoletto,Leo Nucci, seems to be improving with age, his acting abilities are superb.Being an Italian, he brings authenticity to the part, as did the great Tito Gobbi.There is nothing like hearing opera with an Italian in the cast. It is like hearing flamenco sung by Andalucian gypsies, extremely authentic. Piotr Beczala after his debut in in Linz, Austria, joined the Zurich opera and has retained close links with the house,as that great singer, Jonas Kaufmann. Piotr's voice is well suited to the role of the Duke and is another star in the making. How lucky we are today in having Tenors, Kaufmann, Calleja(see La Traviata-cond Pappano),Villazon and Beczala. Elena Mosuc is a Zurich opera regular,and is a very sensitive Gilda.Her duets with Rigoletto and the Duke are very well sung and emotional. Sparafucile is Lazlo Polgar,another Zurich opera regular. In fine voice in the part.The Bluray picture is superb. Worldwide HD.
The staging of this Rigoletto is traditional minimalist which I like. I dislike Zeffirelli trash.Which is code for over the top cluttered staging which states"look at me. The Gramophone year book points this out in its 2009 version, when it reviews the Los Angelis version of La Traviata cond Conlon. The audience claps the scenery. It is over bearing. The singing is great with Fleming and Villazon, a dream team. I gave it away. I felt sick looking at the staging, the star of the show. How I hate that. Generally, I like traditional staging, as long as its staging is reasonable. I also like modern staged versions of opera as long as it makes sense to me.
I must draw your attention to the modern staged DVD Rigoletto conducted by Fabio Luisi,conducting the Dresden State orch. Stage Director Lehnhoff. Damrau as Gilda, probably edges out Mosuc as Gilda,but only just. Florez voice is too light for the part of the Duke. He states he will not sing the part for a while.Obviously,Beczala is more effective in the part. Lucic is a lyrical Baritone and brings pathos to the part of Rigoletto. In the duet between Gilda and Rigoletto,Lucic and Damrau are slightly better then Mosuc and Nucci. Luisi conducts with swift tempi and brings that Italian feel to the music, as does Santi. This is merely a subjective opinion.If you are thinking of owning the Santi Bluray, do so. If you can afford it, also buy the Luisi. You then get two different approaches to a great opera. Both are worldwide.
I must point out that although I give five stars to most of the operas and symphonic works I buy, it is because before I obtain them, I do a lot of research. I have only made two mistakes. I have been a fan of opera and symphonic works,for more years then I care to think about. I hope you enjoy this Rigoletto as much as I have
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