Le nozze di Figaro - Die Hochzeit des Figaro

I have seen lots and lots of "Figaro" productions, this one definitely being my absolute favorite. The director, Michael Hampe, is one big exception in a world where most directors think that they have the most important job in the theater. He leaves the story where it belongs (18th century, Spain) and treats it in a charming and musical(!) manner.

Thomas Allen, Ferruccio Furlanetto, Dawn Upshaw and Susanne Mentzer do a great job both as singers and as actors. The only disappointment is Kazarnovskaya as the countess, her tremolo being much too strong.

Haitink is a fine conductor - the tempi are perfect.

Really the best "Figaro" EVER!

Le Nozze Di Figaro has always been one of my favourite operas, and while I have more of a fondness for the 1973, 1993, 1994 and 1998 productions and also the Jean Pierre Ponnelle film, this is still one of the better Figaros I've seen. It is handsome in look, with sumptuous costumes and well-constructed sets. The music is truly outstanding, the orchestra are both sensitive accompanists and stylish players, never letting the recitatives lose their character and storytelling. Bernard Haitink proves himself to be a good Mozartian, crisp and efficient while just lacking the fit-to-burst energy of Barenboim and Levine and not being too romantic like Solti or plodding(sometimes) like Bohm.

The production is always charming, sometimes moving(like at the end with one of Mozart's most gorgeous pieces of music, only Soave Sia Il Vento from Cosi Fan Tutte is more so) and never vulgar. The performances are wonderful, with the only disappointment being the matronly and tremulous Countess of L.Kazarnovskaya. On the other hand, Thomas Allen is arrogance personified as the Count, Ferruccio Furlanetto(one of the best Leporellos and an excellent Guglielmo) is the definition of the appealing everyman character of Figaro, Dawn Upshaw is a charming Susanna and Suzanne Mentzer a sexy and believable Cherubino..

All in all, truly excellent. 9/10 Bethany Cox