DVD 7534 LUCREZIA BORGIA (Donizetti)

Whoever taped or edited this concert version was interested in Devia and Filianoti only. So this is a Lucrezia without Orsini's famous brindisi(!)and with a bass who loses his aria and cabaletta and appears only in the subsequent trio. That said, this pared-down concert version is still fabulous, with an excellent picture and good sound. Devia, now in her sixties, sounds better than ever, and she looks stunning. A true marvel! Filianoti gets to sing almost all of his music including the tenor aria that opens the 2nd act. (This has almost always been cut in other performances, but not in the new ENO version on DVD 8698; see my review.) Let us then be thankful for what we have: Devia at the top of her form in her signature role, and Filiaanoti, every inch a true artist, pairing with her beautifully.

Whoever taped or edited this concert version was interested in Devia and Filianoti only. So this is a Lucrezia without Orsini's famous brindisi(!)and with a bass who loses his aria and cabaletta and appears only in the subsequent trio. That said, this pared-down concert vesion is still fabulous, with an excellent picture and good sound. Devia, now in her sixties, sounds better than ever, and she looks stunning. A true marvel! Filianoti gets to sing almost all of his music including the tenor aria that opens the 2nd act. (This has almost always been cut in other performances, but not in the new ENO version on DVD 8698; see my review.) Let us then be thankful for what we have: Devia at the top of her form in her signature role, and Filiaanoti, every inch a true artist, pairing with her beautifully.