The Metropolitan Opera: Centennial Gala

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Summary: Opera Centennial of the Century
Review: The Met shines in this gala there are scenes that will absolutly blow you away. Levine is at his peak and his conducting of the Bartered Bride overture is superb. A MUST have for any serious opera fan

Rating:
Summary: Best Sampler by a world class company
Review: The Met shines in this gala there are scenes that will absolutly blow you away. Levine is at his peak and his conducting of the Bartered Bride overture is superb. A MUST have for any serious opera fan

Rating:
Summary: A Must-See for Anyone Who Cares for Opera!
Review: This DVD contains the majority of a two-day celebration of the Metropolitan Opera's first 100 years. While its origin in 1983 prevents it from being sonically 100%, the performances are simply fabulous! You'll see why the "three tenors", Pavarotti, Carrerras and Domingo, deserve the fame that they enjoy. You'll see and hear why Dame Joan Sutherland was called "La Stupenda" by her fans. You will see and hear the most ravishing singing of two scenes from Der Rosenkavalier, which will convert even the most ardent operaphobe. You will marvel, as I did, how sensitive and youthful the late Alfredo Krause sounds in the love duet ( with the simply splendid Catherine Malfitano) from Romeo et Juliette. With nearly four hours of marvellous singing, with arias, overtures, duets, trios and ensembles, this disc will be replayed over and over at our house -- and yours, too. My usually objective wife was clapping and exclaiming "bravo" as the performances progressed, and properly so. Don't miss this one; and its perfect as a gift for any opera lover or anyone who is curious about what opera is all about.

Rating:
Summary: Journey to Valhalla !!!
Review: This was my 1st dvd purchase.For this operaphile, this is the Mount Olympus of the arts. The performances were extraordinary.Vocal mastery was in abundance.It's difficult to single out specific exemplary performances.The phenomenal Eva Marton set the mood with her searing version of "In questa Reggia". The collaboration of Battle,Von Stade& Soderstrom for the ethereal final trio from "Der Rosenkavalier".Carreras &Caballe scaling new heights with the finale from "Andrea Chenier".The limpid beauty of Madama Butterfly's Act 1love duet sung to it's zenith by Leona Mitchell & Giuliano Ciannella. The list goes on & on. 4 hours of pure listening pleasure. The fashion police ,however,must have been on stakeout at the other end of town. money well spent!!!