Rossini
Blu-ray Collection: 1792-1868 - Mose in Egitto/ Ciro In
Babilonia/ Il Signor Bruschino/ L'Italiana In Algeri
(Unitel Classica/Naxos Blu-ray Box Set)
Picture:
B- Sound: B-/B/B/B- Extras: C Main Programs: B (each)
If
you're a fan of Gioachino Rossini operas, then you will not want to
miss this highly collectible four Blu-ray set that is a blend of
beautiful music, high production values, and breathtaking visuals.
I'm sure an entry to see one of these in person is quite a high bill
(not to mention traveling to get there), so having all of these
collected together in high definition (even though it's 1080i) will
be sure to be a treat for fans. All of these discs are available
separately but have been presented together here for the first time
in the Rossini Blu-ray Collection: 1792-1868.
Mose
in Egitto
Mose
in Egitto (Moses in Egypt) is a three-act opera written by Rossini to
an Italian libretto by Andrea Leone Tottola, which was based on a
1760 play by Francesco Ringhieri, L'Osiride. Loosely based on
Exodus, the opera opens as the plague of darkness is dispelled
by Moses' prayer, and it ends with the parting of the Red Sea and the
drowning of Pharaoh's host. Beautiful and a visual spectacle, this
was my favorite of the collection. Check out another review we did
on this disc at...
http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/12018/The+Banda+Brothers:+Primavera+(AIX)/Cherubini
Extras
include
Cast
Gallery
The
Making Of
L'Italiana
In Algeri
An
early 2 act opera work by Rossini and also known as 'The Italian Girl
in Algiers') the story takes place in Algiers and follows a feisty
Italian Girl who turns the tables on some men who capture her. Set
in the 1800s, this rescue opera features some fancy costumes and
interesting production design that is a must for fans of Rossini.
Extras
include
Cast
Gallery
The
Making Of
Il
Signor Bruschino
The
one act opera, also known as Bill of Exchange of Marriage features
some lavish production design, weird wigs, and a few modern touches
thrown in as well. Musically, this may be the strongest of the bunch
with beautiful and haunting vocals. The romance follows a couple
with forbidden love and the girl's father that he must impress.
Extras
include
Cast
Gallery
The
Making Of
Ciro
in Babilonia
This
two act opera, also known as The Downfall of Belshazzar, and
is based on the Biblical story of the overthrow of the Babylonian
king Belshazzar by the Persian ruler Cyrus the Great. Packed with
great performances and visual splendor this is also a great looking
(and sounding) operatic piece. We previously reviewed this on its
own at...
http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/12327/Ciro+In+Babilonia+(Rossini/Crutchfield/Opus+Arte/
Extras
include
Cast
Gallery
All
four Blu-ray discs are presented in 1080i high definition with a
widescreen aspect ratio of 1.78:1, the films look and sounds fine,
but not as good as it would if it was in 1080p. Still, paired with a
lossless DTS-HD MA (Master Audio) 5.1 tracks, the presentation here
is better than you would find it elsewhere. PCM 2.0 Stereo is also
included for older systems.
This
is a nice collection for fans of operas and classical music that
don't quite have the money to see them in person, or for fans that
want to own the collection and watch them at their leisure.
-
James Lockhart
https://www.facebook.com/jamesharlandlockhartv/
