Genre:
Opera
Release Date:
Sep 2001
Recorded:
1999
Number of Discs:
1
Sound:
Dolby Surround; Dolby Stereo
Subtitles:
EN
Territory Exclusions:
USA & Canada
Aspect Ratio:
16:9 Anamorphic
Display:
NTSC
Catalog Number:
OA0823D
Verdi: Falstaff (The Royal Opera)
Bryn Terfel (Falstaff); Barbara Frittoli (Alice Ford); Roberto Frontali (Ford); Bernadette Manca di Nissa (Mistress Quickly); Desiree Rancatore (Nanetta); Kenneth Tarver (Fenton);
The spectacular opening production of London's newly restored Royal Opera House, first broadcast live on BBC television in December 1999, brings a riot of colour to Verdi's great Shakespearean masterpiece. Bryn Terfel as Sir John Falstaff and Barbara Frittoli as Alice Ford lead a star cast with the orchestra and chorus of the Royal Opera House under the direction of Bernard Haitink, in a spectacular new production by Graham Vick with vibrant medieval designs by Paul Brown.
Reviews
"... a true joy to the eye as Bryn Terfel dazzles us with stature, voice and gesture..." (Diapason)
"The magnificent voice, personality and acting ability of Welsh baritone Bryn Terfel combine for a vivid portrait of Falstaff. There are other outstanding performances by Bernadette Manca di Nissa, Barbara Frittoli, Roberto Frontali, Kenneth Tarver, and Desiree Rancatore. Through, Music Director Bernard Haitink brilliant conveys the zest and magic of Verdi's score." (The Patriot Ledger)
"deliciously comic production ... vividly filmed...The singers are on top form, dominated by TerfelÂ’s Falstaff..." (Musical Opinion)
Extra features
Behind the scenes tour; Graham Vick on his Production of Falstaff.Illustrated synopsis of the opera, presented by John NaughtieBryn Terfel talks to Eamonn Holmes.