OPERAFEST Unrated, 1984, in German, French, Italian and Russion, no
subtitles, 92 minutes, Artists International, $59.95.
When the renovated Zürich Opera House was reopened on Dec. 1, 1984, the
gala celebration's general standard was high, and the best segments in
this tape of highlights are excellent. These include Mirella Freni
singing Tatiana's Letter Scene from "Eugene Onegin," Alfredo Kraus
giving a stylish performance of the "Kleinzack" song from "Tales of
Hoffmann," the spirited baritone duet "Cheti, cheti" from "Don
Pasquale" and the final act of "Carmen," fully staged.
In "Carmen," the leading roles (José Carreras and Doris Soffel) are
somewhat overshadowed by the visually vivid chorus -- particularly the
children -- but the soloists generally justify their reputations. This
is true particularly of Nicolai Ghiaurov in "La Calunnia" and Lucia
Popp in the "Song to the Moon" from "Rusalka." Two artists relatively
unknown in the United States, soprano Sona Ghazarian and baritone
Christian Boesch, also make a strong impression.
Copyright © 1987 The Washington Post