Gounod - Romeo et Juliette - Netrebko, Alagna - Domingo, Met December 2007Web-Rip to DVD5 - NTSC - 4:3 - All Regions - LPCM - 2h52min.
French with english subs.
Gounod’s ultra-sensual interpretation of Shakespeare has the incandescent Anna Netrebko as Juliette with several high-voltage Roméos during the season, including Roberto Alagna for the first two performances, rising young tenor Joseph Kaiser in his company debut, and Matthew Polenzani for the Met’s New Year’s Eve gala. Nathan Gunn and Stéphane Degout share the role of Mercutio and Plácido Domingo presides on the podium.
This performance of Romeo et Juliette starred Russian diva Anna Netrebko and French tenor Robert Alagna who replaced an ailing Rolando Villazon. While I was disappointed at Villazon's absence, Alagna proved to be a worthy replacement. Both took some time to warm up - Netrebko's opening aria had smudged coloratura, and Alagna sounded a little dry of voice. Near the end of Act 1, both were in fine form, particularly Netrebko whose gleaming voice was a pleasure. Her dark hued lirico-spinto sounded full and opulent, her irrepressible personality in full display. Romeo is a perfect vehicle for Alagna, who has sung this to great acclaim in the past. This afternoon, he was a suitably romantic and ardent Romeo. His "Ah leve-toi, soleil" was beautiful, perhaps just a bit too stentorian in his top notes while more chiaroscuro would have been preferable. The chemistry between the two was palpable - the "floating bed" scene was postively steamy, complete with "R-rated" body positions! It helps when you have two singers who also are such attractive people. -->more
A big hand to the unknown lady or gentleman, who ripped this opera!
Morbidelli sent new IFO & BUP files for this DVD! Thank you very, very much!!!
