Turandot

Turandot was Puccini's last opera before he died, and this 1988 version is one of the best I have seen of the opera. The costume and set design looks exquisite, Turandot's costume especially. And Puccini's music deserves a mention, it is just masterful, from Signor Ascolta, In Questa Reggia, Non Piangereie Liu and of course Nessun Dorma, it is phenomenal musical drama from beginning to end. The direction, musically and stage-wise is also fine. And the performances were exceptional, Eva Marton imperiously chilling as Princess Turandot, and her big voice and brilliant acting ability is put to excellent use. Placido Domingo, who is one of the greatest tenors of the 20th century in my opinion, not only looked the part, but he created a magnificent figure on stage, and with perfect vocal control too. Leona Mitchell is very poignant as Liu, and Paul Plishka makes a noble Timur. Ping, Pang and Pong brought great fun to the proceedings, and the chorus were wonderful(the grind and sharpen chorus is one of the most difficult choruses in opera history, because if it isn't done right, it can be a disaster). I cannot recommend this version highly enough, other than a 10/10. Bethany Cox

Even if you're not an opera fan, you cannot deny the utter beauty and majesty of this Puccini classic. Many years ago, I was an extra in the movie, "Yes, Giorgio," with Luciano Pavarotti. I played the part of "Ping." It was there that I met Luciano personally, and learned to adore his signature song, "Nessun Dorma." But while this tune may have belonged to Pavarotti, on stage and in the flesh, he has no equal to the fantastic Placido Domingo, in my opinion. This is certainly in no part due to Placido's superior acting skills and dulcet yet powerful voice. His commanding stage presence is without peer, so necessary in the part of "Calaf," the heroic suitor to Turandot. Since I have zero Italian skills, watching this with the subtitles ON made the visual and aural enjoyment of this spectacle all the more moving, imbuing the characters the human element you simply cannot get without a thorough understanding of the text. This is "must see" viewing for anyone desiring a musical experience that you will not soon forget.

Turandot is better heard and seen rather that just being heard alone. This 1988 version of the Opera is by far the best version on video at this time. I have seen all versions of Turandot in video but this stands to be the best. For the following reasons,

It showcases the most versatile tenor in history, Placido Domingo who does not only have the voice quality but a very good acting ability as well. There is a continuous argument as who is the better tenor, Domingo or Pavarotti? All I can say is this, Pavarotti may have the better vocal version of Nessun Dorma, but Domingo when on stage is not Domingo singing Nessun Dorma but he is Calaf proclaiming victory in the night.

Eva Marton on stage is the coldest Turandot I have ever seen. She is untouchable. Although her voice may not be the best compared to the other great supranos like Sutherland (who has a recording of Turandot but never performed on stage) Callas (No stage performance of Turandot preserved on video) and Tebaldi. She compensates it well with great stage acting. Which is a very vital part in watching opera because most of the time you get cues on what they mean thru the actors acting ability rather than meaning of liberretto because very few of us understand Italian anyway.

Franco Z is the stage director of this version. His stunning set can make you feel as if you are in mainland China witnessing a story unfolding.

Leontyne Price is another great voice with superb stage performance. Her role as Lui is one of the most convincing one.

Bottom line this is the best version of Turandot in the acting department and stage design. This version will make you love the great Opera of Puccini Turandot

But I still feel sad that this version is only available in VHS. I wonder if a DVD version would be available someday.