DVD Videos

“Brian Large ensures that we are drawn closely into the interplay of the characters...the whole opera goes forward with a vibrant propulsion, with the various duets and unforgettable trios splendidly gutsy. All in all, a most enjoyable DVD” Penguin Guide, 2010 edition **/***

“The producer, Sylvano Busotti and designer, Fiorenzo Giorgi, have made the most of the spectacular natural Verona backcloth...[Marton] is a handsome woman with fine presence. She and Giacomo Aragall are a well-matched pair of lovers...Wixell is a superb Scarpia, dignified as well as evil...Oren conducts his excellent chorus and orchestra with fine lyrical Puccinian ardour.” Penguin Guide, 2010 edition ***

“The Finnish National Opera staging is top-notch, with opulent, authentically period-looking costumes and sets, and wholly believable acting. …the neo-Romantic language Rautavaara has evolved in his symphonies… is certainly easy enough on the ear and it rises impressively to the high-points of religious self-flagellation, dire prophecy and eventual murder, as well as sustaining long passages of troubled brooding. The monologues that are a Rautavaara speciality are superbly crafted for their respective voices.” Gramophone Magazine, March 2006

“This timeless production has been universally hailed as "a monument". (France-Soir)

“Nothing ever seen before on television has given a better insight into Wagner’s genius.” (The New York Times)

“The central part of the Ring tetralogy is precisely this: a hero has been created who would actually have had all the attributes of freedom, but nobody remembered to tell him…so Siegfried remains unaware and incomplete… Mime has to be both funny and tragic – a clown like Chaplin and pathetic like a downtrodden people” (Patrice Chéreau)

“The videotaped Bayreuth Ring succeeds triumphantly” (Time).

“The production, designs and choreography are an absolute joy. The singers include Paul Agnew as Valère, whose lively 'Hâtez-vous de vous embarquer' bears a startling resemblance to 'Scacciata dal suo nido' from Handel's Rodelinda of 10 years earlier. Nathan Berg rages eloquently as the villainous Huascar in 'Les Incas'. Most magnificent is the dance of the pipe of peace: led by Patricia Petibon and Nicolas Rivenq, and joined after the curtain calls by the whole company, it is foot-tappingly memorable.” Gramophone Magazine, April 2006

“[Rameau's] inspiration is at white heat throughout, with William Christie and a large and stylish team of singers and players revelling in each number, often deliberately over-acting in the more melodramatic moments of this fantastic drama...The final curtain brings an exuberant encore after the credits, with Christie hilariously joining in the dance.” Penguin Guide, 2011 edition

“Deliberately gloomy, it would be oppressive but for the imagination of Hall in his detailed direction with the superb Leporello of Stafford Dean unusually positive, and the whole performance heightened by the Mozartian strength of Bernard Haitink's conducting.” Penguin Guide, 2010 ***

“On stage Le Comte Ory is indestructibly funny and jam-packed with musical treats. And the French director Jérôme Savary gives it the Glyndebourne 'works' with mechanical cows and sheep safely grazing cut-out hills behind the castle where Countess Adèle has walled herself up with her ladies until their menfolk return from the crusades. Marc Laho as the sex-obsessed Ory may not be as sweet toned as a Rossini tenor should be, and Jane Shaulis's Ragonde, companion to the Countess, is more agile with her wimple than vocally, but both know how to flirt for laughs... Diane Montague is in fine voice as Ory's love-lorn page Isolier, and Annick Massis's Adèle, the object of his affections, has a real feel for Rossini at his tenderest... The young Glyndebourne chorus mug for their lives and make the very best of the music... Glyndebourne always brought out the best in Andrew Davis who conducts like a natural born Rossinian. Brian Large directs the video with his customary self-effacing good taste.” BBC Music Magazine, October 2005