Although I did like Rossini to begin with, with this, William Tell and especially Barber of Seville I am growing to love and appreciate him here. This La Cenerentola is truly fun and magical and even better than the splendid 1988 production with Ann Murray, Walter Berry and Gino Quillico.
The costume and set design are immaculate and I can't fault the picture quality, sound and video directing either. The music score from Rossini constantly sparkles right from the ensembles, arias and fiendishly difficult pattering(Magnifico's and Dandini's being the most difficult), and this is helped by superb orchestra playing and stylish conducting.
The story I did find initially confusing at times, but a number of scenes and coincidences are so much fun, and I personally find this production livelier than the 1988 one.
The performances are splendid. I like Cecilia Bartoli a lot, and in the title role she truly shines. She looks beautiful, acts charmingly, has a beautiful mezzo soprano registers and handles the colouratura brilliantly. Enzo Dara is hilarious in the role(like Bartolo) of Don Magnifico that is perfect for him, William Manteuzzi has an appealing voice and his Ramiro is nuanced and very musical, Mechele Petuzi is an excellent Alidoro and the step-sisters are such a delight to watch and listen to. Best of all is Alesandro Corbelli(though I prefer Gino Quillico only just) as a brilliant Dandini.
Overall, a truly fun and magical production. 10/10 Bethany Cox
The costume and set design are immaculate and I can't fault the picture quality, sound and video directing either. The music score from Rossini constantly sparkles right from the ensembles, arias and fiendishly difficult pattering(Magnifico's and Dandini's being the most difficult), and this is helped by superb orchestra playing and stylish conducting.
The story I did find initially confusing at times, but a number of scenes and coincidences are so much fun, and I personally find this production livelier than the 1988 one.
The performances are splendid. I like Cecilia Bartoli a lot, and in the title role she truly shines. She looks beautiful, acts charmingly, has a beautiful mezzo soprano registers and handles the colouratura brilliantly. Enzo Dara is hilarious in the role(like Bartolo) of Don Magnifico that is perfect for him, William Manteuzzi has an appealing voice and his Ramiro is nuanced and very musical, Mechele Petuzi is an excellent Alidoro and the step-sisters are such a delight to watch and listen to. Best of all is Alesandro Corbelli(though I prefer Gino Quillico only just) as a brilliant Dandini.
Overall, a truly fun and magical production. 10/10 Bethany Cox