Norma Fantini
Actor
Movies2
MovieMusicDramaThe burning lyricism, the minute painting of details, the fresh liveliness of the conversation scenes and the sophistication of orchestration, all contribute to making La Bohème one of the most original creations in the history of opera.
La Bohème
2007
MovieMusicThe production itself is quite beautiful: recorded in the Basilica di San Marco in Venice in November 2007, it highlights the cathedral's splendor, the reverent audience, the soloists, orchestra and chorus with near-perfect cinematography. The soundtrack is also acceptable, which may have been quite a task to achieve, given the Basilica's over-reverberant acoustics. Alas, the performance itself does not rise to the occasion. Despite the occasional minor insecurity in ensemble and a visible lack of joy, the Symphonica Toscanini musicians play well, the Coro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino members sing equally well, and the soloists are more than adequate, almost tangibly trying to excel.
Verdi Requiem
2007