Rigoletto

I love Rigoletto, it is one of my favourite Verdi operas. This is not my favourite Rigoletto, that's still the 1982 Jean-Pierre Ponelle film, but as a production it is good.

The costumes and sets are simple but well-done, while the story and music are still as compelling and sublime as ever before. The orchestra and conducting are also spot on. For me when it came to the performances, Inva Mula as Gilda was my favourite, she is delightful in the role particularly in Piangi Fanciulla and Caro Nomme, while Mario Luperi is a superb Sparafucile. The quartet is brilliantly performed by all four singers as well. Aquilles Machado is a credible Duke of Mantua, he has a great voice especially in Ella mi fa rapita..Parmi Veder Le Lagrime and he can act if lacking the extra playful zest in Questo a Quella.

Leo Nucci is overall excellent as Rigoletto. Vocally he is spot on with Cortigiani, Si Vendetta and the quartet standing out, however I feel he could have gone for the La Maledizione a little more, and while he uses the stage well and uses great gestures and facial expressions, there is a lack of chemistry between him and Mula because Nucci seems to be concentrating more on the conductor. The opening scene also feels a little pedestrian and unexciting, with the conducting a tad ponderous and I felt Machado could've used more playful eye contact.

All in all, a good if imperfect Rigoletto. 7/10 Bethany Cox