Verdi - Rigoletto / Downes, Gavanelli, Schafer, Alvarez, Royal Opera House [DVD]

Rigoletto is a paradox: one of Verdi's most lyrical operas, yet also a deeply disturbing look into some of the darker corners of human nature. The singing in this production does justice to the lyricism, but the emphasis is most certainly on the dark side, and the dramatic effect is intense. Gavanelli makes Rigoletto the emotional and physical cripple that he is (although there are moments when he seems to be somewhat disconnected from the words he is singing, notably in "Cortigiani, vil razza dannata"). Schafer's Gilda is a wonderful mixture of innocent gullibility and selfless courage, the only person in this human cesspool who aspires to a better existence.I'm kind of amused by the comments on the "nudity" in this production, as if the director had sought to shock (or entice) opera-goers just by having some people take their clothes off. That's not the point at all. The court is not a party house; it is a prison where stupefied victims are stripped and used as playthings.All in all, a disc I would not do without.

Gavanelli as Rigoletto was quite outstanding. I was disappointed by Alvarez. His singing was quite forced; it had no squillo at all. For a moment I thought I was watching a broadway play about a back alley gangster in the 50s. His voice failed to be seductive (questo o quella was very flat), and there was no charm. The quartet at Sparafucile's house was very mediocre. Monterone did not sound ominous enough. He is supposed to represent absolute morality; his voice is supposed to be that of God throwing thunderbolts down to earth.Gilda I found charming and naive enough to be credible.The nuditity failed to add anything artistic to the opera. True opera fans should not need it to appreciate the music. Thus, I'm not sure of the intention of the producers.Overall I think the Pavarotti version, with Edita Gruberova and Wixell has much better singing.

This performance is a disappointment especaially I bought it because of rave review by other customers.Schafer's sing is uneven and she is not suitable for this coloratura role. I saw her in "Lulu" at the Met last year and she was great,maybe she should stick with more Germanic roles.Alvarez's singing is unimpressive and sometimes he is pushing his voice so much that the sound becomes unpleasant.Gavanelli is the best of all ( Well, that's why the opera is titled " Rigoletto " ).He sings with good tecnique and acts well too.He sounded very good life at the Met.The staging looks cheap and boring and I don't see the need for frontal nudity in the first act.

This production of Rigoletto is in the fine tradition of ROH Covent Garden.Gavanelli, as Rigoletto, is outstanding, He dwarfs the fine performances of the rest of the cast.Some people may complain that the nudity in the opening scene is not needed, but that nudity is a MUST. Remember, what is taking place in the Duke's palace is not an afternoon tea; it is a place of utter depravity, where the people try to outdo each other in acts of depravity. The world of evil in the Duke's palace is in contrast to the world of Gilda, a world of gentleness, of purity in thought and deed. Thus, the opening scene defines what this opera is all about: the deep contrast between evil and good. In this sense, Rigoletto is a morality play.I wish I could give this production more than 5 stars.

This is a bad Rigoletto production all around. Terrible minimal stage of extreme ugliness. Terrible modern costumes. Mediocre B-rated singers lacking depth. And to complete, as a bonus, add gratuitous nudity. Throw this DVD to the trash where it belongs. Good riddance!

Come on, chaps. Relax. Do not get hung up on a little bit of nudity. In the context, it is most appropriate.The Duke is not a nice man. His courtiers are not nice people. What goes on is not nice. This is a very powerful visual representation of what is going on; and the orchestra bopping away in the background in the first scene heightens the on-stage tension.Not to put too fine a point on it, this is a truly great interpretation and production. It is all of a piece. The singers can act (or should it be the actors can sing) and it fits together musically, dramatically and visually.I would consider it a "must" buy.

I was so happy that this performance was as good as stated by the 1st reviewer. I found ALL & must say it again ALL the performers were great. Gavanelli as Rigoletto was fabulous & also Christine Schaefer. Alvarez sang & acted the part of the Duke Perfectly. The sound is great along with the video. I can only say IT IS WORTH EVERY PENNY- Hope you get yours soon & Enjoy. Ed

Very good preduiction,worth a watch

Si tratta probabilmente di una vecchia registrazione non remixata. Audio basso e altalenante. Video sgranato. Sicuramente non hi-fi. Da sconsigliare