MOZART, W.A.: Nozze di Figaro (Le) (Studio Production, 1976)
Le nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro), K. 492
Composer: Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
Librettist/Text Author: Ponte, Lorenzo da
Libretto Source: Beaumarchais, Pierre-August
Conductor: Bohm, Karl
Orchestra: Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
Antonio: Kraemmer, Hans
Barbarina: Perry, Janet
Bartolo: Montarsolo, Paolo
Basilio: Kesteren, John Van
Cherubino: Ewing, Maria
Don Curzio: Caron, Willy
Figaro: Prey, Hermann
Il conte di Almaviva: Fischer-Dieskau, Dietrich
La contessa di Almaviva: Kanawa, Kiri Te
Marcellina: Begg, Heather
Susanna: Freni, Mirella
Television Director: Ponnelle, Jean-Pierre
Date of Production: 1976
Playing Time: 03:03:11
Catalogue Number: A05002158
Libretto
Le nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro), K. 492 DE
Synopsis
Le nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro), K. 492
Le nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro), K. 492
Few conductors have mastered the fluidity of melodic control, the rhythmic drive and the dramatic characterization of Mozart's operas to the extent of Karl Bohm. This production, filmed in London in 1976, abounds in splendid singers, all of whom give performances of the highest vocal and dramatic distinction: Hermann Prey is the definitive Figaro, charming in his vigorous self-confidence; Mirella Freni's Susanna is a personification of innocence and beauty; Kiri Te Kanawa's Countess is a touching portrait of wronged womanhood; Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau's Count is a deceitfully flirtatious despot; and Maria Ewing's Cherubino is a passionate study of adolescent naivety. Bohm's wonderfully supple conducting reflects his lifelong devotion to Mozart. Jean-Pierre Ponnelle's direction perfectly translates the polished stylishness and the beauty and warmth of Bohm's musical direction into scenes and character portrayals of luminous naturalness.
