Having enjoyed the 1988 production with Gino Quillico and Cecilia Bartoli(in Italian though) and the 1959 version with Hermann Prey, Fritz Wunderlich and Erika Koth, I saw this 1973 version. And I do think it is my personal favourite of them all. The plot is very silly and corny, but it is fun as well, and the comedy is perfectly charming.
The comedy in this version really works with everybody giving exceptional performances. Hermann Prey, who I thought was hugely entertaining in the 1975 video version of Le Nozze di Figaro is terrific as Figaro, handsome and charming yet somewhat mischievous, with a big hearty voice and perfect comic timing. Teresa Berganza is a dazzling Rosina both in voice and in looks, and Luigi Alva is a dashing Almaviva rising to the top notes with effortless ease. Enzo Dara is great as Bartolo and Paolo Montarsolo is even better as Basilio.
The music by Rossini is without a doubt an operatic masterpiece. The overture, Largo Al Factotum and Una Voce Poca Fa(a real show-piece for mezzo sopranos) are definite highlights. The sets were nothing fancy but they are lovely and effective and stick true to the period. The conducting by Claudio Abbado was exemplary, and the orchestra are wonderful playing Rossini's score with real zest and style. Overall, I am 18 and a huge classical music fan and I really loved this version of the opera. Definitely recommended! 10/10 Bethany Cox
