Verdi is always worth hearing and seeing at least once(yes I know I keep saying this phrase regarding opera). Un Giorno Di Regno is no exception. It was his first attempt at a comic opera, and while not entirely successful with a thin libretto and some of the comedy not quite coming off as well it should(Falstaff brought out this element to much better effect), it is interesting and considering Verdi's immense personal tragedy at the time- the death of his first wife and children- it is a noble effort. And I found this production very good, and definitely a good way for a first exposure. Just don't let the DVD cover mislead you, the cover indicates a production(or at least to me) done in distaste but actually it is nothing like that.
It is very engaging to look at, the costumes and sets are traditional in a refreshing sense and easy on the eyes. The stage direction Pier Luigi Pizzi is also fine on the whole. Maybe it could have gone for it a little bit more, there are times where it did come across as too restrained, but there are enough charming and fun moments with drama flowing well without feeling too static. And I did admire Pizzi's unobtrusive and far-from-distasteful directorial approach. The picture quality is crisp and clear and the video directing intimate yet subtly done. The sound is well-captured and sharp on the most part, if at times too in the centre.
The production is excellent musically. The orchestral playing is stylish and brings out the beauty and depth of Verdi's gorgeous music very well indeed. Donato Renzetti's conducting is sympathetic to his singers, is well shaped and keeps the drama going. The principal performances are not easy to fault. Ivan Magri's voice took a little bit of time to warm up and there was the odd bleaty sound, but overall his tenor sound had the leggiero lyrical quality needed for Edouardo and he is a decent actor. He works very well with the charming Alessandra Maranelli, who has a lovely sweet tone that helps to make her easy to warm to.
Andrea Porta and Paolo Bordogna are a lot of fun. But it is Anna Caterina Antonacci and Guido Loconsolo that give the best performances. Antonacci is a fine singing actress, one of the better ones in recent years in my opinion. Her voice has power and sensitivity giving the music authority and tenderness when it calls for it, and she proves to be equally comfortable in comedy as she is in drama. Loconsolo has a baritone voice of warmth and richness, and manages to be dignified and noble, managing to be understanding of what his character's predicament is.
Overall, very interesting. 8/10 Bethany Cox
