Opus Arte Donizetti:Classic Comedies [Blu-ray] [Region Free] [2015] [NTSC]

Don Pasquale: One of the reasons why Donizetti's Don Pasquale is regarded as a cornerstone of the Italian comic opera tradition is because its characters are no mere commedia dell’arte stereotypes, but complex, vulnerable human beings. This is brought to the fore in Mariame Clément's sensitive and perceptive production, which was hailed by the Financial Times as ‘a Glyndebourne classic’. Acclaimed buffo baritone Alessandro Corbelli sings the title role ‘with just the right degree of lugubriousness’, while Danielle de Niese, one of today's most sought-after sopranos, is an ‘engaging’ and ‘irresistible’ Norina (The Telegraph). L'elisir d'amore: Acclaimed Italian conductor Maurizio Benini makes his Glyndebourne debut in Donizetti's intoxicating and deeply touching opera, whose fast-moving comic story unfolds the romantic rivalry between penniless farmhand and bumptious soldier, both vying for the love of Adina. Press Reviews "A strong cast is conducted with élan by Enrique Mazzola. That master buffo Alessandro Corbelli plays the title role with just the right degree of lugubriousness ... Star of the show, however, is undoubtedly Danielle de Niese ... she sparkles and miaows and engagingly gives her performance a hundred and one per cent ... she lights up the show and walks away with it." (The Daily Telegraph - Don Pasquale ) "The cast is of vintage quality. Danielle de Niese offers effortless command of the stage and high-flying vocalism as a tricksy Norina. Enea Scala's Ernesto combines vital tenor singing with a lazy charm as Pasquale's wayward nephew. The distinguished Italian buffo specialist Alessandro Corbelli is quite simply the most human protagonist one will ever see or hear - sad and funny simultaneously. Conductor Enrique Mazzola bounces the score along. The overall result is Glyndebourne at its best." (The Stage - Don Pasquale) "Danielle De Niese's performance, so animated and nuanced, is one of the evening's highlights." (The Times - Don Pasquale ) "The simplicity and charm of this production make it a Glyndebourne classic. " (The Financial Times - Don Pasquale ) "It is a beautifully achieved piece of work...Peter Auty's Nemorino is world-class in his vocal accomplishment and touching presentation of the character's plight. Alfredo Daza sounds exactly the right notes of God's gift to women bumptiousness and fundamental decency with his good-looking, healthy sounding Sergeant Belcore. Luciano Di Pasquale hits the spot as the fake potion seller Dulcamara, bringing colour and vivacity to his every appearance. The chorus are marvellous. Maurizio Benini maintains lively music-making in the pit." (The Stage - L'Elisir) "An enchanting account." (BBC Music Magazine - L'Elisir ) Cast Alessandro Corbelli (Don Pasquale) Danielle de Niese (Norina (DP)) Alek Shrader (Ernesto (DP)) Nikolay Borchev (Malatesta (DP)) Ekaterina Siurina (Adina (Elisir)) Peter Auty (Nemorino (Elisir)) Luciano di Pasquale (Dr Dulcamara (Elisir)) London Philharmonic Orchestra; The Glyndebourne Chorus; Enrique Mazzola (DP); Maurizio Benini (Elisir) Stage Director: Mariame Clément (DP); Annabel Arden (Elisir) Catalogue Number: OABD7170BD Sound: Dolby Stereo / LPCM Stereo / DTS Surround Aspect Ratio: 16:9 Subtitles: EN/FR/DE/ES/IT/KO Label: Opus Arte