A beautiful souvenir of the late Daniela Dessi who gives a moving account of the title role. After a pleasing act 1 aria she builds the character to a stunning Act 4 where her hushed piano singing in Poveri Fiori and death scene are unbearably moving. She also succeeds with the Phedra monologue in Act 3 because she doesn't indulge in melodrama, but keeps to real emotion - after all the real Adrienne Lecouvreur was one of the first actresses to aim for naturalism in gesture and declamation. The La Scala production is a delight - basically theatre columns and moving curtains which are used to create fluidity from scene to scene. Sumptuous costumes. Beautiful orchestral playing and among the supporting roles Olga Borodina as the princess is outstanding. Fine dancers. I am really impressed by the musical score - not the least by the ballet music which was new to me. What a beautiful opera this is.
Given mixed reviews elsewhere of both this opera and its production, I was quite peasantly surprised by the effectiveness of both. The opera itself is quite melodious and it may be noted that in the past some of Cilea's areas for the baritone and for the tenor have been recorded with a fair amount of frequency. Dessi's portrayal of Adriana is more girlish/hysteric than that I have heard from exerpts by others but in context of a complete performance her view seemed valid. Sergei Larin sings well and while he doen't look like a fellow two women would be fighting over - well that's not too unlike reality. In general, I would say, all roles were well acted and well sung with Olga Borodina's princess receiving universal and well deserved praise.
And what sets and what costumes! The production is lavish - a feast for the eyes. I can not immagine a better way to enjoy this opera than live or on DVD.
Many years ago, I owned a recording of Adriana Lecouvreur and I think I enjoyed it enough to purchase this new DVD of it. Boy, was I wrong or awfully forgetful. This truly has to be the dullest opera that I have ever witnessed or have ever heard. It truly is a "one tune" score with no exciting arias, ensembles or choruses. The signers come-off as interesting as dish-water--not even Olga Borodina seemed to be too inspired. Dessi has always bored me to tears and in this opera, I almost broke down in hysterical sobs. Larin appears and sounds like he just wondered in off the streets. The production, I guess was nice being what the producer had to work with. Buy this DVD only if you absolutely ADORE Verismo operas.
I believe this is an opera that is very much under appreciated. This production is beautiful and classically done. The signing by the entire cast is excellent.