Verdi - Rigoletto (2001) [BBC DVD]

This production is characterized by its intentional seediness. Rigoletto and Sparafucile seem to live in some kind of shanty town, and even the Duke's "palace" is affected by post-nuclear decay and disrepair. The ripped chain-link fences and aluminum siding contradict the costumes, which are vaguely of the period Hugo and Verdi intended. The opening scene finds a small orgy in progress, with full frontal nudity from both genders, plus simulated intercourse. (You might want to send the young ones to bed before watching this.)


Although parts of the production flirt with self-indulgence, much of the singing and acting here is sublime. In the title role, Gavanelli strongly contrasts his satyr-like behavior in the Duke's court with his crushing love for Gilda. His range of facial expressions is large, and he moves around the stage naturally – sometimes with agility, sometimes in spiritual pain – on his crutches.


s for his vocalism, he seems born to have sung the deformed jester. He pours out sustained Italianate phrases to express his love for his daughter and his contempt for the courtiers. If at times he is a little under pitch, he can be forgiven, given the live conditions and the intensity of his portrayal.


Schäfer, looking like Tilda Swinton in Acts I and II and like Laurie Anderson in Act III, is a heartbreakingly credible Gilda. She is a physically striking young woman and a very expressive actress. Her lyric soprano is meltingly lovely, with never a trace of twitter, even in "Caro nome." We'll be hearing a lot more from her in coming years. Together, she and Gavanelli could wring tears from the stoniest hearts.


lvarez, another relative newcomer, gives us a Duke sung in the Domingo and Carreras tradition, all Latin suaveness and thrillingly sonorous. As an actor, he is less astute, although he is successful in creating the portrait of a spoiled, superficial ruler, and he seems to come alive in the last act. (Perhaps he had a few coffees during the intermission.)


he other singers all deserve praise, particularly Araya's rich-toned Maddalena, Parodi's full-bore Monterone, and Sikora's pandering Giovanna. Downes conducts the orchestra and chorus like a true Italian, and he restores some of the traditional cuts, both large and small.


The image is 16x9 anamorphic and easy on the eyes, although there is a lot of darkness in the production itself. There are optional subtitles in English. The digital surround sound recording is among the finest I've heard on DVD yet.

Highly recommended, particularly for the performances of the three leads.