Rossini
- Armida/Zedda/Clement
(2015/Naxos/Dynamic Blu-ray)
Picture:
B Sound: B Extras: D Main Program: B
Armida
is one of the more interesting Operas that I've seen on disc as of
late. Unafraid to show the brutality of war with characters soaked
in blood and featuring some impressive costumes, this show of
Rossini's
Armida
(2015) is nothing short of an experience to watch. Led by the
gorgeous Carmen Romeu as Armida, who really is the centerpiece of the
performance, the show goes all out and creates a unique experience
for its audience members. The opera is based on the poem Gerusalemme
liberate (1575) by Toruato Tasso.
Opera
Vlaanderen of Antwerp continues its Rossini Cycle under the musical
direction of conductor Alberto Zedda (87), with the rarely performed
opera Armida. The Tenor opera features Enea Scala, Robert McPherson,
Dario Schmunck and the young Adam Smith in lead roles and is directed
by Mariame Clement with her usual set designer Julia Hanse, all of
which take a critical look at the world of the Crusaders. Clement
sees Armida as the incarnation of the concept of 'love', which in
itself is magic and for which noble and heroic knightly ideals are
cast aside. However, it is a love that turns into a destructive
frenzy.
The
opera is presented in 1080i 1.78 X 1 digital High Definition and
Italian audio in both PCM Stereo 2.0 and better DTS-HD MA (Master
Audio) lossless 5.1 tracks that looks and sounds decent for the
format with rich colors and crystal clear audio that fans will enjoy.
No
extras.
-
James Lockhart
https://www.facebook.com/jamesharlandlockhartv/
