Verdi - Luisa Miller

Customer Response

a superb classic
This is the last great bel canto opera from Verdi's early period. (Stiffelio was actually the last, but Verdi wasn't happy with it and rewrote it so extensively that he renamed it 'Aroldo'.) The set is fine, we even get a bit of decorative Tyrol in the opening scene. It is a pleasure to see that the costuming is spot on for the period (think of the Roundheads and Cavaliers, large white collars over black coats).
The five principals are either the best in the world or equal to the best. Renata Scotto equals Joan Sutherland in technique but far surpasses her as an actress. Her pathos in the final scenes was heart-wrenching.
Placido Domingo was at the peak of his career. I was surprised that in his big Act 11 showpiece aria, he sang with the use of brilliant tone throughout, whereas the words in the middle section were calling out for a gentler, legato colour.
Sherrill Milnes was, in my opinion, simply in his day the best baritone in the world. His technique and musicianship are magnificent.
James Morris, familiar as a Wagnerian bass, has light tone for a bass, but the added advantage of flexibility.
Bonaldo Giaiotto has a rich, honeyed basso cantate with silky smooth delivery, an ageing man, but with no sign whatever of the dreaded vibrato.
Verdi has written a bel canto opera the equal of anything that Donizetti and Bellini ever wrote, and with singers that are best world class, this production is simply superb. K.R.

Favorite lower voices!!
I don't care too much for this opera and I usually like Verdi, even the obscure operas. I got this for several of my favorite lower voices, Milnes, Gaiotti, and Morris. And in spite of Scotto, the cream curdler, and overdone Domingo. Gaoitti and Milnes are past prime vocally, but still well worth listening to. Morris still seems prime. These 3 all have a lyrical quality you rarely hear in the lower voices. And to have them all together in one opera is a treat. I just fast forward thru Scotto and save my ears.

Great Cast
Excellent production values in this lesser known work. It features a cast of outstanding singers and directors.

Visceral performance of heart-rending Verdi.
Wow! This is one of those glorious golden performances that we are privileged to now enjoy on DVD. This was my first exposure to Luisa Miller and I was astounded by the sheer power and emotional impact of both the opera and this performance. I'd have bought this long ago had I known what I was missing! This is an incomparable evening of heart-wrenching Verdi. For me, there is not a slack moment in it. Whatever weaknesses the opera has pale before the vigor and sincerity of Verdi's intent combined with the tremendous talent and dramatic commitment of the artists in this production.
At the outset Levine seizes you firmly by the throat with a ferociously intense overture (which may be full of sprightly tunes but the tragedy is already lurking, I think). Domingo and Scotto. Either of these incredible singing actors would be enough for me. Put them together and you are guaranteed fireworks. Here you get them performing as if their very souls just might burn themselves out. But it doesn't end there! We also have Milnes and Giaiotti (familiar from many a classic Verdi recording) who are both excellent in their contrasting father roles. Also, a devilishly charming Wurm in James Morris- what a treat!
And if the mere extravagance of the cast weren't enough there is that special, indefinable something extra that lifts this performance to a unique place in my viewing experience. Besides having one thrilling highlight after another there is a constant dramatic tension and overriding sense of occasion. Every time I watch this I am impressed all over again by the sheer earnestness of it all. There is real `heart' in the music and the performance.
In Luisa Miller I think Verdi has given us a very potent drama as well as lovely music. It strikes me as unpretentious- no grand opera spectacle- but simply direct and gripping. He concerns us with a handful of rather ordinary people and certainly managed to enlist my sympathy for their struggles. I don't say this can compare with the likes of Otello but it is utterly worthwhile in its own right and the third act is particularly exquisite. Verdi always has a special tenderness for father/daughter scenes and surely this is among the best. Scotto and Milnes play it out beautifully. Luisa's brief prayer of farewell reminds me a little of the similar scene in Otello- Desdemona's "Ave Maria". Then, enter the hurt, embittered and desperately vengeful Otello, er, Rodolfo. Domingo brings an animal ferocity to the following confrontation scene. I won't spoil it any further in case you don't know the story- I didn't before watching this and that first viewing was something to be remembered.

Bonus
The DVD also contains a unique bonus- a filmed interview with Levine, Scotto, Domingo and Milnes prepared for broadcast during intermission. It's pretty interesting with some discussion of how conductor and singers communicate and work together in performance.

excellent
I am relatively new to opera, and found this performance to be delightful. Domingo and Scotto were wonderful, and also Sherrill Milnes.

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