Rating: 
Summary: Classical and conservative Turandot
Review: This is an intersting production, showing the sparkling "historical" setting by Zeffirelli (everything looks like you imagine China would have been, if it is true or not) with an even more interesting cast. Marton truely gives an impressive performance of Turandot without any difficulties. Timur and Liu also leave not much to be desired. And Domingo, well he certainly had a briliant day. Especially so since the tessitura of Calaf is actually a little bit too high for him but I was impressed of how secure he managed through the difficult part. Therefore it casts only a little shadow to see him circumvent (or better circumsing) the high note at the end of the 2d act ("No, no, Principessa altera, Ti voglio tutta ardente d'amor"). Probably this is still better than hearing his voice as strained as in the Karajan recording. Especially since all the other "high notes" are brilliant and firm. Conclusion: You cannot go wrong with this one.
Rating:
Summary: Classical and conservative Turandot
Review: This is an intersting production, showing the sparkling "historical" setting by Zeffirelli (everything looks like you imagine China would have been, if it is true or not) with an even more interesting cast. Marton truely gives an impressive performance of Turandot without any difficulties. Timur and Liu also leave not much to be desired. And Domingo, well he certainly had a briliant day. Especially so since the tessitura of Calaf is actually a little bit too high for him but I was impressed of how secure he managed through the difficult part. Therefore it casts only a little shadow to see him circumvent (or better circumsing) the high note at the end of the 2d act ("No, no, Principessa altera, Ti voglio tutta ardente d'amor"). Probably this is still better than hearing his voice as strained as in the Karajan recording. Especially since all the other "high notes" are brilliant and firm. Conclusion: You cannot go wrong with this one.
Rating:
Summary: Perfect performance and DVD
Review: This is one of the best opera DVD's I have ever seen. You could not ask for more. It was recorded during one of those MET nights where everything goes perfect. The title role is held perfectly by Marton. She isn't a great opera actress, but she IS a great soprano, and for Turandot that's enough. As for Domingo's warm voice, it has rarely been more enchanting. For him, everything went perfect that night. Calaf's role suits him perfectly in both acting and singing. You could see him suffering during high C's, but this is even more thrilling especially since they come out perfectly. Mitchell's Liu adds the cherry to the perfect Cake, while Levine's traditional conducting is amazing. Zeffirelli's sets alone would have made a good reason why to buy this DVD. Acts I and II are majestuous. Finally, the DVD's digital sound and image quality are outstanding. In summary, everything is Perfect! Highly Recommended.
Rating: 
Summary: Its Great Opera
Review: Well, this is a very large turandot. The sets are lavish and the stage action is evocative of chinese new year. The costumes appear to be, almost incredibly, detailed!
I own several Turandots, but I the vienna Marton, Carreras, Riccarelli is the most fruitful comparison.
Musically, Levine conducts a more restrained Turandot than Maazel. He holds the orchestra back a bit more, more than likely due to the size of the Met. But I have no complaints on this reading, it is a 5 star reading.
Turandot is the Dramatic Soprano Eva Marton. When choosing between this and the other option, consider that here her voice is more forced and squealing. Her top is extrodinary to behold, a real force of nature. Soimetimes the squelch is exciting, but it is not healthy. He costume is much more impressive in this Met production, and she is dowright scary.
Domingo plays Calaf. He is, to me, surprizingly overwhelmed bythe orchestra. This true from the end of act 1 until act 3. When the orchestra turned up the heat, domingo was drowned out. Now, Placido sand this role with the legendary Birgit Nillson in 1968, and he was heard just fine. The difference here is the constant forcing. He appears to be under great strain, (noting the 2nd act Crack at "No, Gli Enigmi sono tre!"
His acting is intense and heroic, with much posturing and heroic arm gesturing. It is clear that Domingo was a bit overtaxed by the tessitura of Calaf. He does, however, excel whenever the Orchestra allows it. The Vienna production features Jose Carreras, who, unfortunatley, has many of the same problems. Although, If I were forced to choose Calaf, I would choose Carreras as Calaf.
As Liu Leona Mitchel really shines. Signore Ascolta is well sung, and she is a wonderful actress. Paul Plishka, who these days can be seen as the Judge in Sweeney Todd, is a perfect Timur.
Overall, this is the most Lavish production of Turandot, with the best costumes, the best Staging and the most overwhelming scale. The Vienna production, available on video, is perhaps a touch more polished.
| 
