Verdi: Rigoletto (Rigoletto: Gran Teatre Del Liceu 2004) (Arthaus Dvd: 107147)

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In their series of celebrated opera productions from the Gran Teatre del Liceu in Barcelona, Arthaus presents a staging of Rigoletto, one of Verdi's most popular operas. The tragic opera about the Duke of Mantua, the court jester Rigoletto and his daughter Gilda forms part of the composer's trilogia popolare together with La Traviata and Il Trovatore. It is full of melodious arias, expressive duets and highly dramatic orchestration. With the brilliant Marcelo Alvarez singing the Duke of Mantua and baritone Carlos Alvarez, whose Rigoletto has been hailed as the perfect embodiment of Verdi's court jester, appearing in the title role, this production presents international stars in two of the leading roles. The dramatic requirements of this well conceived and convincing interpretation are both musically and visually extremely well met by the leading male singers and Inva Mula's Gilda. She is a Verdi soprano par excellence. The remarkable ensemble, orchestra and chorus of Barcelona's Liceu under the experienced baton of Jesus Lopez Cobos prove the opera house's international standing once again. Graham Vick's production and Paul Brown's sets and costumes aim to convey the essence of the drama conceptually rather than literally which makes for a captivating performance.