Reviews

"If one of the cast it to be named above the rest, that should be Joyce DiDonato, an outstandingly accomplished Elvira, brilliantly projected, interestingly conceived, her singing concentrated in tone. Miah Persson is an adorable Zerlina, and I liked what she and others were encouraged to do by way of vocal ornamentation." (Gramophone - Don Giovanni)

"Sir Charles Mackerras conducts an incandescent Overture which kindles the brilliance, clarity and indefatigable energy of his music direction throughout. This film powerfully captures the fiery essence of Francesco Zambello's production...Zambello makes Simon Keenlyside's harsh and diabolical Don Giovanni and Kyle Ketelsen's embittered Leporello a double-act of deadly dependency." (BBC Music Magazine - Don Giovanni)

"Here is a Figaro to put with the 1973 Glyndebourne production placed among the top five operatic DVDs. Figaro and Susanna are very much the centre here, and we like them not only because they sing and act well but because they are sympathetic in a modern way." (Gramophone - Le Nozze di Figaro)

"This sexy, raunchy, romp of an opera is a triumph. Director David McVicar has searched for the essence of the composer and found it; fun filled, sensitive, romantic and serious by turns, all reflected in this production.This is a 'Must See' opera! ... You'll regret it if you don't!" (Musical Opinion - Le Nozze di Figaro)

"This production’s slow journey from darkness into the light…works well on the small screen, not least thanks to high-definition camera work and Sue Judd’s inspired direction for television. The real magic, though, is supplied by the onstage cast...In Dorothea Röschmann’s hands, Pamina emerges not so much a powerless victim of Fate but more as a passionate woman prepared to suffer in the nameof love. Her natural command of the stage is sagely employed by McVicar...Diana Damrau’s supremely sung Queen of the Night oozes class, while Simon Keenlyside’s profoundly human, touchingly sympathetic view of Papageno deserves an Olivier Award." (Classic FM - Die Zaubertflöte)

"... a mellow warmth that was deeply satisfying. Simon Keenlyside ... a triumph as quite the most engaging Papageno I have ever encountered ... With an exceptional Queen of the Night, Diana Damrou, this is an evening no Mozart lover should miss ..." (The Mail on Sunday - Die Zaubertflöte)