L'elisir d'amore

I'd say yes. I love equally the 1996(Alagna & Gheorghiu), 2005(Villazon & Netrebko), 1992(Pavarotti & Battle) and 1981(Pavarotti & Blegen), but this was just incredible. The costumes and sets have a certain simple charm to them, the black and white is crisp, the video directing is clear always and the sound is just as good. Musically, it is full of life, with a lively and well-balanced chorus, stylish orchestral playing and Gavazzeni giving the conducting a buoyant and genteel approach, all doing justice to the gorgeous music of Donizetti. I loved all four principals. Renata Scotto's voice on DVD here is at its most rounded(I have known her to be shrill), her musicality especially her pianissimos are touching and she is a brilliant actress, shrewish and charming as Adina. While not as important strictly speaking, like with her Lucia under Bartoletti, her petite figure and child-like facial features are a bonus. When it comes to phrasing, musicianship, style and beauty of tone, Carlo Bergonzi has it all, right from the characterful duet with Cava's Dulcamara to the heartfelt, understated strains of Una Furtiva Lagrima. What surprised me most though, like Pavarotti under Rescigno in the same role with Blegen, Ellis and Bruscantini in the other roles, was his acting, I've known Bergonzi to be graceless and unimaginative as an actor, but with such energy and charm this is the best I've ever seen him act. Giuseppe Taddei shows how versatile he is, how he can sing Scarpia and Carlo Gerard to something completely different like Belcore I don't know but he does it. His voice is big and resonant, and he is suitably pompous but never resorting to being too much of a buffoon. Carlo Cava is wonderful as the quack Dulcamara. Vocally he isn't quite as good as the other three though he uses it with gusto, but when it comes to character and acting he matches them exactly, he is funny without being silly and naturally understates the comedy. Overall, a magical, heart-warming performance. Although I said that the 1981 performance was my favourite(narrowly edging out 1991), after seeing this one, I doubt I'll see a better production of L'Elisir. 10/10 Bethany Cox