OPUS ARTE: Rigoletto by Giuseppe Verdi

Product Details

• UPC: 809478060055
• Composer: Giuseppe Verdi
• Genre: Opera, Music
• Number of discs: 1
• Label: Opus Arte
• Release date: 2002, 2013

Product Specifications

• Sound Format: Dolby Digital
• Picture Format: 16:9 Anamorphic
• Language: Italian
• Subtitles: English
• Running Time: 180 minutes
• Region Code: All Regions, NTSC

Overview

Experience one of The Royal Opera's most celebrated and popular productions with Verdi's "Rigoletto." Director David McVicar masterfully combines lavish historical costumes and dark stylized settings to accentuate the savagery and excitement of the tale. Paolo Gavanelli delivers a vocally and theatrically electrifying performance as the hunchback anti-hero, while acclaimed soprano Christine Schäfer portrays his doomed daughter. Superstar tenor Marcelo Álvarez captivates as the fickle lover, accompanied by the superb playing of the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House. This thrilling production of "Rigoletto" is perfect for both opera aficionados and newcomers.

Critics have praised this production as "the greatest Rigoletto London has seen in 30 years" (The Sunday Times) and noted the "thrilling commitment on all sides" (Gramophone).

Track Listing

[As this is an opera performance, a track listing is not applicable. The DVD contains the full opera performance and additional features.]

Interesting Facts

• The DVD includes a BBC documentary, "Verdi through the looking glass," offering insights into the composer's life and work.
• Director David McVicar shares his thoughts on the production in an exclusive interview.
• The performance features an illustrated synopsis to help audiences follow the story.

Cast and Crew

• Duke of Mantua: Marcelo Álvarez
• Rigoletto: Paolo Gavanelli
• Gilda: Christine Schäfer
• Sparafucile: Eric Halfvarson
• Maddalena: Graciela Araya
• Giovanna: Elizabeth Sikora
• Count Ceprano: Graeme Broadbent
• Countess Ceprano: Dervla Ramsay
• Matteo Borsa: Peter Auty
• Count Monterone: Giovan Battista Parodi
• Marullo: Quentin Hayes
• Court Usher: Nigel Cliffe
• Page: Andrea Hazell
• Royal Opera Chorus Director: Terry Edwards
• Orchestra of the Royal Opera House Concert Master: Peter Manning
• Conductor: Sir Edward Downes
• Stage Director: David McVicar
• Set Designs: Michael Vale
• Costume Designs: Tanya McCallin
• Lighting Design: Paule Constable
• Choreography and Movement: Leah Hausman
• Directed for the Screen By: Sue Judd
• Television Producer: Frances Whitaker
• DVD Producers: James Whitbourn (Opus Arte), Jane Carter (BBC)