Orchestra & Chorus Of The Royal Opera House - Cosi Fan Tutte - DVD

A classic story of love under the microscope is given a contemporary perspective in this performance of Mozart's Inchschool for loversInch. Così fan tutte is a compassionate examination of young love, full of wit and wonderful music which ensure it's lasting popularity. Così fan tutte was Mozart's final collaboration with the Italian librettist Lorenzo da Ponte, and Jonathan Miller's production, created for The Royal Opera, brings out the timelessness of this exploration of the human condition. Jonathan Miller's Royal Opera production of Cosi fan tutte was a staple of the repertory for nearly twenty years. He died in 2019.

David McVicar's classic production embraces both the seriousness and comedy of Mozart's work. The audience is transported to a fantastical world of dancing animals, flying machines and dazzlingly starry skies. The setting provides a wonderful backdrop for Mozart's kaleidoscopic score, from the Queen of the Night's coloratura fireworks to Tamino and Pamina's lyrical love duets and Papageno's hearty, folksong-like arias. Prince Tamino promises the Queen of the Night that he will rescue her daughter Pamina from the enchanter Sarastro. He begins his quest, accompanied by the bird-catcher Papageno - but all is not as it seems

'The school for lovers', Mozart's alternative title for Così fan tutte, is given a playful, theatrical treatment by German director Jan Philipp Gloger, who sets this new production for The Royal Opera in a theatre. The four lovers are performed by a cast of young rising stars, with Sabina Puertolas as the fun-loving Despina and acclaimed German baritone and comic genius Johannes Martin Kranzle as the impresario Don Alfonso, who leads the lovers on a role-playing journey full of picturesque settings. Semyon Bychkov conducts the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House in one of Mozart's most beautiful scores, packed with wonderful arias and ensembles. InchEnsemble singing is strong; the standout is Daniel Behle's gorgeous tenor as Ferrando. Above all, Semyon Bychkov's impeccable balance and pacing in the pit allows it full space to blossom.Inch (The Independent) InchSemyon Bychkov gives an enthralling lesson in Mozart from the outset. Conducting his first Mozart opera in 20 years, he has a style might be said to belong (in the best sense) to the old school. But, Bychkov draws glowingly warm playing, and the textures are lithe and lively. The score's darker colours are all brought out in a performance that bristles with dramatic tension.Inch (The Daily Telegraph)