Le Nozze di Figaro [Blu-ray]

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.

Press Reviews
"Here is a Figaro to put with the 1973 Glyndebourne production placed among the top five operatic DVDs. Figaro and Susanna are very much the centre here, and we like them not only because they sing and act well but because they are sympathetic in a modern way." (Gramophone)

"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)

"…so accomplished a cast, in which Gerald Finley's Count, Miah Persson's Susanna and Rinat Shaham's Cherubino stand out as ideal. " (BBC Music Magazine ★★★★)

"Schrott is a lively, resourceful and above all very good-looking Figaro, but the delightful Susanna (Miah Persson), charmingly dressed, is his match...The dignified Countess (Dorothea Roschmann)... is appealingly spirited...The sets are appealing and the action moves forward with a swing." (The Penguin Guide)

Awards
Gramophone Award: DVD (2008)

Cast
Erwin Schrott (Figaro)
Miah Persson (Susanna)
Gerald Finley (Count Almaviva)
Dorothea Röschmann (Countess Almaviva)
Rinat Shaham (Cherubino)
The Orchestra of the Royal Opera House; Antonio Pappano

Production
Company: The Royal Opera
Stage Director: David McVicar

Disc Information
Catalogue Number: OABD7033D
Date of Performance: 2006
Running Time: 202 minutes
Sound: 2.0 & 5.0 PCM
Aspect Ratio: 1080i High Definition / 16:9
Subtitles: EN, FR, DE, ES, IT
Label: Opus Arte