Opera Films

[Sarastro]

For my taste, this is currently the best DVD version for Tchaikovsky's Eugene Onegin and one of the very best opera DVDs that were released lately. Robert Carsen's production is lovely with a successful blend of conservative and new ideas. I know this opera for years, and have quite a few recordings of it. But never before did its closing scene move me, as in this performance. This is mostly because of the singing and acting intensity of Hvorostovsky and Fleming.

Sorry to disagree with you, but that is probably the most dubious production if Eugen Onegin. It is so so far from Tchaikovsky's intentions (according to Tchaikovsky's letters, that are, by the way, translated into English - a great chance to get acquainted with them!); Fleming simply does not understand what she sings (I mean the music, not words/language). Hvorostovsky's ill-articulated and clumsily sung Onegin bears no comparison to others, such as Nortzov, Mazurok, Chernov, Belov or Taddei. The only positive thing I can say about him is that his dark, elegant timbre is worth hearing. And the only bright spot in the production is Vargas, whose portrayal is genuine and fresh-insighted.

[Sarastro]

Mike

Mike, if you have a chance, take another "Tosca," maybe from which I listed above. There is also a film with Raimondi-Malfitano-Domingo, 1993 - on VHS only, but it is really very-very-very good.

[T-C]

Sorry to disagree with you, but that is probably the most dubious production if Eugen Onegin.

I read lots of reviews about the Met production of Onegin.
All of them were very good to excellent. You can read a few dozens happy customer reviews of the DVD at Amazon.com as well.

But thanks for your detailed opinion. The minority should have a voice too... 


A few Met Onegin reviews:

Review 1

Review 2

Review 3

Review 4

Review 5

Review 6

Review 7

Review 8

[knight66]

Mike, if you have a chance, take another "Tosca," maybe from which I listed above. There is also a film with Raimondi-Malfitano-Domingo, 1993 - on VHS only, but it is really very-very-very good.

Thanks, I hope the IT problems are now completely sorted out.

Mike

[Guido]

I hate them - haven't seen one yet which I've enjoyed. Lipsynching is always irksome, but what is more annoying is when the people are clearly just singing very quietly and this huge sound is belting out - completely incongruous visually and dramatically.

operas are much closer to plays (with all their similar stylisations) than to films - I much prefer films of performances.