Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #49184 in DVD
• Released on: 2007-03-13
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 2
• Formats: Classical, Dolby, DTS Surround Sound, NTSC, Subtitled
• Original language: Italian
• Subtitled in: Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Spanish
• Number of discs: 2
• Running time: 157 minutes

Customer Reviews

A 20 year-old production with great sound and picture quality and, best of all, Marilyn Horne
In his book "A Night at the Opera," Denis Forman, after praising L'Italiana in Algeri, writes: "But beware, it needs an alpha production, and if the fizz and sparkle are missing, it can go flat and you will wonder what the heck I am going on about." "Flat" describes my reaction to L'Italiana until I watched this DVD. This production has that fizz and sparkle that Forman is referring to. It is present throughout - from Levine and orchestra to the excellent performances from all the players. This is Rossini as it's meant to be performed. Even if, like me, Rossini isn't one of your favorite opera composers, I doubt you'll be able to resist this production. And surprisingly, the picture and sound quality are excellent despite it having been filmed in 1986.

Special mention must be made of Marilyn Horne as Isabella. She just inhabits the role and her singing is extraordinary. Her mezzo voice is rich, creamy, and smooth; and when she hits those higher notes, the coloratura flowing out from her with such incredible ease, it's just spellbinding to listen to. In addition, the comic moments are made all that more effective by her crisp enunciation (which she's able to maintain no matter how fast the music is going). Strength, beauty, precision, ease. Horne's voice has it all.

The production is full of subtle comedic moments. One of the best occurs in the first act finale when Elvira, played by Myra Merritt, suddenly steps downstage, and lets her soprano voice soar, dominating the ensemble behind her. Horne, good-natured enough to make fun of her star status, turns and gives Merritt a priceless look that communicates that she's overstepping her rank in the cast. But Merritt ignores the look and lets her voice soar again. This time, Horne walks over to her and, with the brush of a hand, shoos her back upstage into the ensemble "pack." (This is before Horne decks the poor soul playing Mustafa, bringing Act I to a hilarious close.)

Led by Marilyn Horne, this is a DVD to treasure. (After all, where else can you see an opera star grating parmesan cheese over pasta in perfect time to Rossini's lightening-fast music?)

ROSSINI SINGING LIKE THIS IS NO LONGER AROUND
GET THIS RECORDING OF "L'ITALIANA IN ALGERI" SIMPLY TO SEE AND HEAR MARILYN HORNE IN HER PRIME. WITH A TECHNIQUE AND COLORATURA THAT DEFIES DESCRIPTION YOU MUST SEE AND HEAR THIS LIVE PERFORMANCE FROM THE METROPOLITAN. THE OTHER SINGERS ARE GOOD AND THE RECORDING AND PICTURE QUALITY ARE FIRST RATE.
I FIRST SAW MARILYN HORNE LIVE IN BRISBANE/AUSTRALIA IN CONCERT AND WILL NEVER FORGET THE EXPERIENCE OF HEARING THIS REMARKABLE ARTIST LIVE. THIS IS A FINE TRIBUTE TO HER ARTISTRY.

The creme de la creme
The brilliant performance by Marilyn Horne in L'Italiana in Algeri proves the worthiness of the assessment by those opera critics who deemed her the best female operatic diva of her time.

Ms. Horne displays her magnificent vocal talents at the peak of her career. As if to say that pure mezzo tones are not enough, Ms. Horne delivers the comedic lyrics with convincing ease, and firmly fixes our
admiration for her abilities.

No opera fan or Marilyn Horne devotee should be without this DVD.