Nabucco

I last watched this recording about 8 years ago when I gave it a 10/10 rating. Well, the filming of live opera has come on a bit since then and we are rather spoiled by the Met's hi-fi, high definition widescreen broadcasts so this 1985 production from La Scala is beginning to show its age.

The old-fashionedness extends not just to its technical merits but also to its production values. There is a spectacular set and there are lavish costumes but everyone just stands in a row and sings as if they are performing at your local amateur operatic society. Part of the problem is the static nature of this early Verdi opera. It is however his first, unquestionable masterpiece and it it packed with big tunes and rumpy-pumpy rhythms with guaranteed rabble-rousing quality.

The audience at La Scala were certainly roused by this production, under the energetic baton of Riccardo Muti. This is an opera where the baddies get the best music. Bruno Beccaria and Raquel Pierroti have little to do as the goody-goody Ishmaele and Fenena. Renato Bruson has some lyrical baritone passages in the title role. Best of all is Ghena Dimitrova as the evil Abigaille. This is a very demanding role with some blood-curdling lower passages and some stratospheric flights. I always feel that it is unfair that everyone lives happily ever after except for her.