Gluck - Orfeo ed Euridice [Blu-ray]

Incredible spectacle, fine performance
Although it still retains some of the mannerisms of opera seria, Orfeo ed Euridice was the first of Gluck's reformist works that would gradually see the elimination of the harpsichord, ballet music, mechanical stage effects, recitativo secco, extravagant aria da capo singing or indeed any decorative effects that didn't serve the progression and meaning of the drama alone. It would seem inappropriate then to engage a production team like La Fura dels Baus to direct a work as intimate and intentionally stripped-back to basics as this, a work that only has three principal roles (with the majority of it sung by only one person), and to stage it as extravagantly, colourfully and spectacularly as it's done here. Projections, computer generated lighting effects, performers swinging and singing from cables, with every modern technological tool employed, the ample outdoor stage of the Castell de Peralada filled not only with chorus and supernumeraries, but even the orchestra are up there as...

A Vocal Disappointment
I probably should admit that my preference for this opera is the version that Gluck wrote for France He was required to rewrite the role of Orfeo (Orphee) for a male voice. Gluck also wrote more additional music which is frequently co-opted for revivals of the opera under discussion. Of the two French versions I have, the one with Roberto Alagna is a travesty; the only real virtue in this set is the authenticity of the tenor's French.

The best aspect of this new set is the Orquesta bandArt. I do not required historical authenticity but in this case it remains the only virtue of the taping. Why the young Georgian singer was chosen is a mystery. Elsewhere you will find criticism of her costume--it is strange, but if she had the ability to deliver vocally I could have forgiven all else. Additionally La Fura dels Baus, a questionable choice, cluttering up the visual aspect. They added a great deal to the Valencia Ring, but their presence in this set is gratuitous...

Can Be Improved!
There is much good to write about the production: the singing and orchestration were very good. However, the costume of Orfeo was far too feminine. You had to force yourself to think of Orfeo as a man. Anita Rachvelishvili is a very voluptuous woman and her dress revieled so much of her breats that you could not think of her as a man. I felt this was very distracting in trying feel the intent of the story.

What I recommend is that anyone wanting a traditional production with great singing, acting, and staging is to consider the Glydebourne DVD with Janet Baker as Orfeo.

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