Description

Giuseppe Verdi: Falstaff (DVD)

UPC: 807280730999

Product Features

Format: DVD, Dual Layer
Performance: Falstaff, live from the Teatro Comunale, Florence, 2006
Composer: Giuseppe Verdi
Libretto: Arrigo Boito, based on William Shakespeare’s works
Orchestra and Chorus: Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino
Conductor: Zubin Mehta
Stage Director: Luca Ronconi
Chorus Master: Piero Monti
Set Designer: Margherita Palli
Costume Designer: Carlo Maria Diappi
Lighting Designer: Guido Levi
Technical Director: Massimo Teoldi
Principal Cast:Sound Formats: PCM Stereo, Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS 5.1
- Sir John Falstaff: Ruggero Raimondi
- Ford: Manuel Lanza
- Fenton: Daniil Shtoda
- Dr. Cajus: Carlo Bosi
- Bardolfo: Gianluca Floris
- Pistola: Luigi Roni
- Mrs. Alice Ford: Barbara Frittoli
- Nannetta: Mariola Cantarero
- Mrs. Quickly: Elena Zilio
- Mrs. Meg Page: Laura Polverelli
Subtitle Languages: Italian (Original Language), English, German, French, Spanish
Picture Format: 16:9
Region Code: 0 (Region Free)
Running Time: 128 minutes
Production: Rai Tre and Rai Trade

Overview

This DVD presents a vibrant live performance of Verdi's Falstaff, captured at the Teatro Comunale in Florence during the 2006 Maggio Musicale Fiorentino. Under the baton of maestro Zubin Mehta, this production brings to life Verdi’s last opera, a comedic masterpiece based on Shakespeare’s plays The Merry Wives of Windsor and scenes from Henry IV.

With Luca Ronconi’s masterful stage direction and an exceptional cast led by Ruggero Raimondi as Sir John Falstaff, the opera unfolds with wit, humor, and the nuanced elegance for which Verdi is renowned. The rich orchestration and dynamic vocal performances highlight the timeless nature of this operatic gem.

Interesting Facts

Verdi’s Last Opera: Falstaff is the final opera composed by Giuseppe Verdi, marking his return to comedy after decades of composing dramatic operas.
Shakespearean Roots: The opera’s libretto, penned by Arrigo Boito, skillfully adapts Shakespeare’s works, infusing the story with sharp humor and rich character development.
Acclaimed Production: This particular staging is noted for Luca Ronconi’s innovative direction, which blends traditional elements with modern sensibilities, creating a visually and emotionally engaging experience.