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Le Nozze di Figaro
John Pritchard, Conductor
Benjamin Luxon, Kiri Te Kanawa, Knut Skram, Ileana Cotrubas, Frederica von Stade
Composer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Librettist: Lorenzo da Ponte
I borrowed a copy of this through interlibrary loan and watched it the other day. It's a pretty decent performance, and I enjoyed it, but it wouldn't be my first choice for a Figaro to own. (Good thing, as it seems to be out of print.) The conductor stuck to a traditional interpretation of the score - so nothing bad, but he didn't leave a personal touch, either.
This video is worth seeing, however, for Kiri Te Kanawa as the Countess. She completely owns the role, and is in fine voice. She is the one thing that really stands out as exceptional in this video. (She is also in the film directed by Jean-Pierre Ponnelle, which I haven't seen.)
Ileana Cotrubas was also quite good as Susanna. She lacked the mischievous spark shown by many other performers, but it was refreshing to see something really different. Surprisingly, it worked quite well.
Knut Skram is an excellent Figaro, though not the best. He did come alive for "Aprite un po' quegli occhi" which was wonderfully acted and not overdone as it sometimes is. Skram's relatively reserved and likeable take on his role worked well with Cotrubas's gentle Susanna.
I had a hard time accepting Benjamin Luxon in the role of the Count. Something about his performance didn't click for me, although I can't quite put my finger on it. It wasn't his singing, which was fine and in some cases really good. Perhaps I just don't agree with his approach to the role. Or maybe I'm just having a hard time forgetting his really excellent Dr. Falke in Die Fledermaus (also, incidentally, with Kiri Te Kanawa).
Frederica von Stade's wonderfully sung and acted Cherubino is preserved in this film as well. For the most part I really enjoyed her performance, but I did have trouble with one thing. At no point in the film does she look believably male. (I suppose in some ways this is a compliment.) Were I the costume director for this production I would have given her a more obviously boyish hairstyle or something. I suppose Cherubino is supposed to look girlish, but this was a bit too much. It's a minor flaw, however, and the really beautiful singing makes up for it.
The supporting actors are all pretty good. The Marcellina (Nucci Condò) in particular was excellent, although "Il capro e la captretta" was cut. (So was Basilio's "In quegli anni.")
Bottom line... if you come across this, try and see it, because Te Kanawa and Von Stade are famous for these roles and worth seeing. Plus, it's a good solid performance to compare others to. As I said, it wasn't my favorite, but it was an enjoyable film to watch.
| Originally Reviewed: | 15-Jul-03 |
