Netrebko’s Don Pasquale
A major event at the Metropolitan Opera during the 2010/2011 season was Donizetti’s comic opera, Don Pasquale, with Anna Netrebko reviving the role of Norina. In that role, Anna Netrebko manages to make a character who usually comes across as shrewish into a funny, endearing character. Most of all, she conveys a sense of fun into her role, whether it’s chasing Malatesta with a frying pan or doing a somersault of joy.
John Del Carlo’s impressive singing and acting as the Don are given every boost by Otto Schenk’s hilarious staging and James Levine’s wonderful conducting. Leading this opera for the first time at the Met, the renowned maestro demonstrates that his gifts suit Donizetti as perfectly as it is in Mozart’s operas. Mariusz Kwiecień and Matthew Polenzani entertain as Malatesta and Ernesto.
It’s a wonder that Don Pasquale isn’t performed more often, because it’s one of those operas that tends to bring out the best in singers, directors, conductors, even the costume makers. This wonderful ensemble opera is short but sweet, with one beautiful/funny/ironic/romantic tune after another.
Filmed in November 2010, this DVD also features backstage intermission interviews caught during the excitement of a live performance.
Here is Anna Netrebko in Don Pasquale at the Met Opera:
And here is the Donizetti “Don Pasquale” Duet with Anna Netrebko & Mariusz Kwiecien:
If you would like to purchase this recording at Amazon, please click on the image below to complete your purchase:
Tags: Don Pasquale, Anna Netrebko, John Del Carlo, DVD