The Daughter of the Regiment - DVD

An opéra-comique by an Italian composer? This was a rarity in it's day, but after the Inchbarely averted disasterInch of it's opening night, Donizetti's La Fille du régiment became a popular success, not least for the high Cs demanded from Tonio in the famous tenor aria InchAh! Mes amis, quel jour de fête!Inch The story revolves around Marie, the canteen girl of the Regiment, whose lover Tonio joins the army to be near her just as she is claimed for marriage into nobility. This acclaimed Teatro Donizetti production was considered by turns Inchhilarious... tender and moving... [and] overwhelmingly brilliantInch by bachtrack. #com

Soprano Ermonela Jaho stars as Violetta Valery, with Charles Castronovo as her lover Alfredo and Placido Domingo as Alfredo's stern father Giorgio Germont, in The Royal Opera's much-loved production of Verdi's La traviata. One of the greatest of all operas, La traviata is based on the novel and play La Dame aux camellias by Alexandre Dumas fils, inspired in turn by the life and death of the real Parisian courtesan, Marie Duplessis. The opera tells the profoundly moving story of a courtesan prepared to sacrifice everything for love, and contains some of Verdi's most beautiful arias and duets. Richard Eyre's engrossing naturalistic production features stunning designs by his regular collaborator Bob Crowley. Italian conductor Antonella Manacorda conducts Verdi's sublime score, which offers a wonderful showcase for the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House and Royal Opera Chorus.

A bold, colorful production, enhanced by the costumes of Belgian fashion designer Kaat Tilley. The opera attracted the interest of the Dutch Ministry of Culture, which has sponsored it. Paolo Arrivabeni conducts the orchestra and chorus of the Opera Royal de Wallonie, Liege, in this performance of Verdi's opera from March 2009. The featured performers include Cinzia Forte, Saimir Pirgu, Giovanni Meoni and Federica Carnevale. Directed by Matteo Ricchetti, Stefano Mazzonis Di Pralafera. Starring Federica Carnevale, Cinzia Forte, Giovanni Meoni. Language Italian (Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround) Subtitles English, French, Italian