Verdi - Jerusalem / Plasson, Fondary, Villarroel, Colombara, Momirov, Bragaglia, Casciarri, Teatro Carlo Felice Genova

Rating:
Summary: Another Excellent Opera from TDK Mediactive
Review: What Phillips did for the lesser known Verdi operas on CD, TDK is doing on DVD; producing high quality operatic experiences. This latest opera has an interesting history. It is a re-write, with major additions, of Verdi's 4th opera, "I Lombardi alla Prima Crociata", and many critics, and this Verdi fan believe that it is a major improvement, both dramatically and musically. The plot has to do with a nobleman, mistakenly accused of murder, who seeks to prove his innocence. While, in general, operatic plots seem somewhat silly these days, this one ain't too bad. The role of the accused Gaston is sung well by tenor Ivan Momirov; Helene, is sung nicely by Veronica Villarroel, but the most convincing singer is bass Carlo Colombara as the real murderer, Roger. Since this work was written for the Paris Opera, it is sung here in French. The available translation, which appears at the bottom of the screen is pretty accurate, and a nice, unobtrusive feature. Michel Plasson conducts the chorus and orchestra of the Teatro Carlo Felice with an experienced baton. The picture is excellent, and the sound options include Dolby 5.1 and DTS, so warn the neighbors. I like this performance a lot and recommend it to any lover of Verdi's music, or anyone who is interested in experiencing a fine operatic performance. TDK seems to be committed to releasing good DVDs of European performances, so the opera lovers' future looks pretty good.