Maria Stuarda

"The most important thing, of course, is the performance itself, and it is a good one. Maria Pia Piscitelli, in the title role, turns in a knock-out performance. Her big numbers ... are all stunningly delivered, and her high notes here and elsewhere exhibit both power and beauty. Moreover, her dramatic skills are fully convincing ... Conductor Riccardo Frizza leads the proceedings with a knowing hand, choosing appropriate tempos and drawing fine work from the chorus and orchestra ... In sum, this DVD is a fine rendition of this Donizetti masterpiece. Highly recommended".

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"Vurdering: Recording of the month" - "Riccardo Frizza conducts with verve and vitality as well as with a strong dramatic sense. The Chorus Lirico Marchigiano is outstanding as is the recorded sound".

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"Antonacci er også en fin bel canto-sanger. Mindst lige så stærkt står Mariella Devia i titelpartiet. Sangerbesætningen er ret stærk, så her får man stor flot opera dog uden det stærke drama. Har man lyst til at prøve nyt, er "Maria Stuarda" det værd. Donizettis melodiske linjer har skønhed, styrke og udsagn".

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"Fabrizio Maria Carminata leads La Fenice's orchestra in a powerful reading yet with a supportive flow of sound in more reflectiove passages ... On a few occasions the video producer presents a split screen to show two or three peole at the same time and once or twice he uses a superimposition of one shot on another, which is not bothersome. The lighting is good, the picture well defined".

"Vurdering: E (Editor's choice)" - "An outstanding release, and a great relief to be removed from the static period costume displays normally inflicted on this drama".

"Composed five years after his Anna Bolena, Donizetti's Maria Stuarda does not quite reach the level of through-composed sophistication or pathos as the earlier opera, but it is a great work none the less ... Conductor Antonini Fogliani leads a taut, exciting performance that holds together even rambunctious moments, with Maria's tenderness underscored nicely in her solo scenes ... This is highly recommended".

"Vurdering: Diapason d'or".

"Vurdering: Editor's choice" - "Elza van der Heever is quite brilliant as she moves from skittish to jealous, contemptuous and baleful. The three men are all good ... DiDonato is an absolute knock-out ... spellbinding through a perfect combination of singing and acting. Maurizio Benini conducts impeccably".