Bellini: I Puritani - DVD

ENGLISH

Bellini: I Puritani (OA1091D) (2009)<br /> <br /> Mariola Cantarero (Elvira); John Osborn (Lord Arturo Talbo); Scott Hendricks (Sir Riccardo Forth); Riccardo Zanellato (Sir Giorgio); Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra; Giuliano Carella<br /> <br /> In Vincenzo Bellini’s last opera, Elvira’s love for Arturo overcomes the power-games in Puritan England, staged with darkly dramatic flair by Francisco Negrin as a world of blind dogma. Mariola Cantarero is compelling as the heroine on the verge of insanity in one of the greatest mad scenes in the history of opera. One of the leading lyric tenors today, John Osborn sings Arturo with fearless commitment and some spectacular top notes. In the pit is the bel canto specialist Giuliano Carella.<br /> <br /> "It is rare indeed to find a performance of a Bellini opera these days, and with its vertiginous lead roles Puritani is rarer than most. But it is such a treat!...Scott Hendricks’ baritone is honeyed and mellifluous. His aria and cabaletta in the opening scene are really beautiful, and he rises to the challenge of his duet with Arturo with thrilling skill." (Seen and Heard International)<br /> <br /> "This Amsterdam version is, for me, the finest Puritani you’ll get to see, much more than just a memento of a good night in the theatre. Bravo, too, to Opus Arte for fitting the whole opera, including extras, onto one disc, thereby bringing down the cost. Why hesitate?<br /> " (Musicweb International)