Rating: 
Summary: Very good, despite Bartoli's distorted singing faces
Review: This has to be one of the best Cosi stagings I have seen by far. The two soldiers are accurately represented by Roberto Sacca as Ferrando and Oliver Widmer as Guglielmo. Both men were animated and completely in character for the entire production, which, given the length of Cosi, could be quite hard for singers who find the dramatic aspect of opera a difficulty. Carlos Chausson is a PERFECT Don Alfonso; calm, collected and cemented in his belief that the two women will, in fact, betray their beloveds just as he has predicted. I especially love the way he non-chalantly strolls about the stage, often puffing on a huge stogie. As Despina, we have the lovely and very talented Greek Mezzo, Agnes Baltsa. Not only does she give a good theatrical performance, but she has a beautiful voice. Liliana Nikiteanu does a wonderful job as Dorabella, the younger sister, acting just as a young girl would: curious and playful. I'm anxious to see more of Ms. Nikiteanu in future productions, for this is truly the development of a fine performer. Cecilia Bartoli's Fiordiligi is a joy to listen to, although not always a joy to watch. While I can always, always believe that Bartoli's emotions are correct within her work, I cannot always believe that she has to make those God-awful faces every time she sings. I have seen several productions from the Barber of Seville to Cenerentola that feature Bartoli, and it seems that her distorted faces only seem to get worse with the older and more experienced she gets. Certainly, she is a very talented artist and performer, but it makes me wonder if those faces are not a way to manufacture a bigger sound on her part. If one were to compare this performance with the 1988 Barber of Seville performance, notes would be made that while the saucy spirit of the world's most loved Italian Diva is still there, the ugly and horrid faces and jaw positions are not. But..she sells the songs, and that's what matters. I'm just curious to see if those wretched face positions cause any vocal tension a few years down the road... Bottom line: Get a copy of this while you can; it certainly is worth it.
Rating: 
Summary: Beautiful music while enjoying a comedy
Review: This opera although less popular than Le Nozze de Figaro or Don Giovanni is not less beautiful, melodiuos and charming than the two others.
The performance by excellent singers in this DVD add to the splendor and magnificence of the melodious music, which is so enjoyable to listen. We also become interested in watching how the story ends, as it proceeds. Agnes Baltsa, in her indifferent act and her clear soprano voice is incomparable as the matter-of-fact and mischievous maid who assist Don Alfonso to proof his stance to the end. Cecilia Bartoli and Liliana Nikiteanu, has their own nuance of soprano voices, however their duets are so harmonious together. We also adored the light tenor voice of singe Roberto Sacca who sings beautiful duets with baritone singer Oliver Widmore. Furthermore their acting are so charmingly funny that we really enjoy the fresh comedy of Mozart.It is only felt that the background scene was too simple and rather unattractive. It only stays in one or other place without much changes.
Nevertheless this performance is never boring and is so enjoyable and relaxing to listen as well as to watch all the comical situation to the end.
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