Gioachino Rossini- La Cenerentola (Glyndebourne 2005) [2010] [Region Free]

This recording of La Cenerentola at Glyndebourne was made in 2005 and this was a new production for Glyndebourne at that time. The setting is strictly traditional in feel and period with appropriate costuming and sets. On that subject, the Baron's home is particularly down-at heel in this production and the baron himself is especially unkempt and this therefore underlines the contrast between his circumstances, and therefore Cinderella's, with those of the prince and therefore Cinderella's potential final home.The cast is a very strong one and is therefore capable of favourable comparison with Bartoli's portrayal at Houston to take an example of strong casting from an earlier generation.As already touched upon, the baron at home is portrayed as essentially unkempt. However he remains blissfully unaware of the impression he gives and exudes an over-developed ego. These characteristics are well brought out by Luciano Di Pasquale who has just the right kind of sonorous voice to carry the role vocally. The three other leading men, Alidoro played by Nathan Berg, Dandini played by Simone Alberghini and Don Ramiro played by Maxim Mironov are all strong characterisations as appropriate to their roles. Thus Simone Alberghini brings a great deal of enjoyable and humorous exaggeration to the role of Dandini, Maxim Mironov brings a passionate desire to undo injustice to his role as Don Ramiro and Nathan Berg brings a young man's relatively inexperienced enthusiasm to the role of the prince. These portrayals work well dramatically and are all sung and acted with complete conviction.The two sisters, Clorinda played by Raquela Sheeran and Tisbe played by Lucia Cirillo, provide an on-going element of comedy as Rossini intended and knock sparks off each other and also work well in this way with Dandini. Both these singers have a fine sense of comedic timing and so avoid heavy-handed overstatement. This makes the whole portrayal far more believable as well as amusing. Both are fine singers as well as actresses and are well able to match the equally gifted pair in the Houston production mentioned above.Cinderella as portrayed by Ruxandra Donose, is a stronger character than usual and is able to stand up to her two step sisters as well as attempting to fight her cause with the baron before the ball. This is more acceptable as an interpretation than some weaker `servant' portrayals and is more in line with a modern woman and her generation's perception of the role of women of any sort. She brings a mature mezzo soprano voice to the part which fits in well with the stronger overall concept. Her technical control is excellent and she despatches her extended final aria with considerable aplomb without in any way losing her essential moral goodness and generosity.The whole cast, orchestra and singers are driven at an exhilarating pace by Vladimir Jurowski. At times this must border on the vocal limits for enunciation of the words and it is with an element of jaw-dropping amazement that one witnesses feats of successful vocal gymnastics which still manage to just avoid being a touch too fast for effect. This is exhilarating stuff and one of the many wonders of the performance.There are the usual bonuses from Opus Arte in the form of an illustrated synopsis and cast gallery. In addition there is a 25 minute documentary during which Jurowski and the producer,Peter Hall explain the ideas behind this production.The camera work is totally involving and the imaging is crisp and offers good colour depth and definition. The sound is presented in full-range surround 5.0 and stereo formats and clearly reproduces both the vocal and instrumental detail.This is a very fine modern alternative to the well-established older versions still available. It brings a considerable advantage in terms of recording technology and delivers an exhilarating musical and dramatic experience for the viewer. The audience clearly loved it and I would expect future purchasers to respond in the same way. For these reasons it seems that this disc must deserve a full 5 star rating.

One point that the 5 reviewers before me forgot to mention here is the quality of conducting and sound recording. Jurowsky according to me is the star of this production, right from the overture to the finale. Yes, the singers have sometimes given him a few problems here and there, but overall, one of the best recorded Cenerentolas that I have come across. His rendition is crisp, clear and balanced throughout.The Staging is simply superb. Thank god we do not have to content with abstractions, slacks and stuff. The sets and costumes stick to Rossini's period.The singing is uniformly good, but not the greatest. One of the Cenerentolas that I benchmark for comparison is the one from Glyndebourne itself. Remember Kathleen Kuhlmann as Angelina (Cenerentola)? That one. Old, but really gold. Not that this one lacks in its approach, it is just that I liked the Coloraturas and singing of that production a lot better. Among the more recent ones produced, the one sung by Joy DiDonato and Florez and the Garancia and Brownlee are not as good overall as this one, although the role of Cenerentola is carried well by both DiDonato and Garancia.I loved the two bad sisters in this one. They really show themselves as 'bad' which is 'good' for viewers and the production alike.The clarity overall is good when stage is lighted well, but goes grainy where light is inadequate. I was wondering if they had sent me a DVD by mistake when the Overture was going on.,But happily, it redeems itself on stage.Overall, a very good production,and worth buying for its own sake.

Being a Rossini fan and having seen and heard several different performances of this opera, I found this to be an excellent performance in all repects - if I have one critism it is that the orchestra and soloists sometimes lose the tempo but this is of no major problem.In all other respects I found this a good purchase and have no problems in recommending it.

Reasonably enjoyable, but couldn't rave about it. At least the singing, acting and orchestra were good, but the production left much to be desired in the way of optimism and justice having been done. More like, who cares anyway.

A production that highlights the wonderful music of this opera, sung very well by all the cast but especially by Ruxandra Donose. There is very good acting skills shown by the singers which combined with their enthusiasm shown makes this a disc that deserves repeated viewing. I would recommend this to every lover of bel canto opera since this is definitely one for your collection.

Compared to the previous Glyndbourne production which is also available on DVD this production is uninspired.Picture quality 5Sound quality 5Sets 2 - after the opening scene which is very good, the rest is almost like a concert performance.Music making (orchestra) 4 - lacking excitement and zest.Direction (camera work) 3Storytelling 2 - unless you know this opera well you will find this production a bit confusing.Singing/acting 4/4 - Magnifico 4/3, Cenerentola 4/3, Clorinda 4/4, Thisbe 4/4, Alidoro 4/4, Ramiro 4/3 and Dandini 5/5.Costumes 5 - 19th century.Worth trying if you have seen other productions first.

I love it.Technology has really advanced, and the definition is excellent, and Sir Peter Hall's production faultless.I first watched this particular Glyndebourne productions on television, and it was a 'must have'.