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Video Review--Operafest
By Joseph Mclellan


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


Source: The Washington Post
Date Published: July 16, 1987