Mascagni - L'Amico Fritz - Bros, Theodossiou - Tolomelli 2002DVD5 - NTSC - 4:3 - All Regions - Dolby Digital 2.0 - 100min.
Subtitles: English
Kicco Music 2004
José Bros (Fritz); Dimitra Theodossiou (Suzel); Sandra Pacheco-Quintero (Beppe); Alessandro Paliaga (David); Emanuele Giannino (Federico); Antonio Taschini (Hanezó); Corinna Justian Schmidt (Caterina)
Città Lirica Orchestra
Con.: Roberto Tolomelli
This production from Livorno in 2002 was staged by Simona Marchini and is conventional and faithful to the creators’ intentions. The two sets are stylish and give an excellent representation of Tuscan country life.
Roberto Tolomelli’s conducting keeps the score moving and is on the whole very good. José Bros’s acting is somewhat stiff, but vocally he is always musical and therefore quite acceptable. Dimitra Theodossiou is a fine Suzel; she has the ability to produce beautiful soft tones and acts well. Sandra Pacheco-Quintero is a lively presence in the trouser role of the gypsy Beppe. Alessandro Paliaga is a strong and vivid Rabbi David and gives a good performance. The minor roles of Federico and Hanezó are well done.
The picture quality is excellent and the sound fine. There are neither notes nor a libretto provided; however, subtitles are available. Although there are three excellent recordings available on CD, since I am unaware of any other version of this charming work on DVD, I recommend it to all Mascagni enthusiasts. --Bob Rose, FANFARE
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