David McVicar’s spellbinding production of Le nozze di Figaro is
set in 1830s post-revolution France, where the inexorable
unravelling of an old order has produced acute feelings of loss. In
the relationship between Finley’s suave, dashingly self-absorbed
Count and Röschmann’s passionately dignified Countess, which
lies at the tragic heart of the opera, the sexy ease between a
feisty Figaro (Erwin Schrott) and a sassy Susanna (Miah Persson)
is starkly absent, the tenacious spark between Marcellina
(Graciela Araya) and Bartolo (Jonathan Veira) suggesting what
might be rekindled. The production is superbly complemented
by the beauty of Paule Constable’s lighting and Tanya McCallin’s
evocative sets. Antonio Pappano conducts (and accompanies the
recitatives) with invigorating wit and emotional depth.
2 DISC SET
-------------------------------------------
Figaro: Erwin Schrott
Susanna: Miah Persson
Count Almaviva: Gerald Finlay
Countess Almaviva: Dorothea Röschmann
Marcellina: Graciela Araya
Barbarina: Ana James
Cherubino: Rinat Shaham
The Royal Opera Chorus
The Orchestra of the Royal Opera House
Conductor: Antonio Pappano
Stage Director: David McVicar
Recorded live at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden,
London on 10th, 13th and 17th February 2006.

Bonus material:

The Magic of Mozart: Interviews with Antonio Pappano, David
McVicar and principal cast.
Cast gallery and illustrated synopsis.

‘This sexy, raunchy, romp of an opera is a triumph.
Director David McVicar has searched for the
essence of the composer and found it; fun filled,
sensitive, romantic and serious by turns, all reflected
in this production.This is a 'Must See' opera! ...You'll
regret it if you don't!’ Musical Opinion