CLASSIC RECORDINGS FROM ONE OF THE WORLD’S GREAT OPERA HOUSES

Director Werner Herzog and conductor Riccardo Muti combine with the finest of casts to lavish Rossini’s rarely-performed Neapolitan masterpiece, set in feudal sixteenth century Scotland, with the genius it deserves. June Anderson is an outstanding Elena (the Lady of the Lake) in the 1992 production of the melodrama based on Sir Walter Scott’s poem. Sung in Italian with English subtitles

Rockwell Blake, Giorgio Surjan, Chris Merritt, June Anderson, Martine Dupuy, Marilena Laurenza, Anna Zoroberto, Ernesto Gavazzi, Ferrero Poggi
Orchestra & Chorus of Teatro alla Scala / Riccardo Muti
Stage Director Werner Herzog

Reviews
‘…strong performances, especially Giorgio Surjan as Elena’s stern father, and Rockwell Blake, who as the disguised King rises heroically to the challenge of Rossini’s fiendishly high tenor part.'
The Times

‘…a worthwhile bargain. Herzog actually doesn’t do too bad a job of restaging Rossinian conventions, and that what can seem a very long opera moves with verve and despatch. Muti, of course, is also responsible, his warm but cracklingly theatrical reading… And his cast…manage their spectacularly demanding parts very acceptably.
June Anderson, despite a resemblance to Sutherland, Is less charismatic but technically accomplished and a much better actress, carrying off her big moments from the opening scena to ‘Tanti affeti’ with appropriate panache and pathos.
Rockwell Blake… copes elegantly, …and acts well…. Martine Dupuy’s Malcolm similarly triumphs…, singing with mellow tone and real feeling. …the lesser roles capably taken, …the chorus warm up splendidly to the big ensembles.
The video direction is efficient and the TV recording crisp. Altogether this makes a good case for a pretty rare piece at mid-price, a Rossinian bargain.’
The Gramophone

‘Although thought by some to be one of Rossini’s greatest Neapolitan operas La Donna del Lago is rarely performed, probably due to its demanding florid bel canto vocal writing. I side with Amazon’s staff reviewer, who says that La Scala’s glorious production is graced by some of today’s finest singers and that Riccardo Muti brilliantly emphasizes the work’s dramatic plot, beautiful melodic ideas and touches of local colour.
We enjoyed it inordinately for home viewing. Set in a dark, glowering ancient Scotland in perpetual strife, battles off stage and three men vying for the love of the soprano. The singing is in this opera … well pointed by Muti. But what singing, as florid as you’ll find and better than you’re likely to encounter in another live performance.
Taken for what it is, a period style production which might have a lot in common with those in 19 C Italy, there is a huge amount to enjoy, with Rockwell Blake as the King spectacular in his aria which opens the second act, and June Anderson magnificent throughout her long and demanding role. The others are all strong.’
Musical Pointers

CAT NO: OA LS3009 D
FORMAT: All Formats
REGIONS: All Regions
PICTURE FORMAT: 4:3
LENGTH: 167 MINS
SOUND: DOLBY STEREO
SUBTITLES: EN
RELEASED: 01/11/2004
NO OF DISCS: 1