Elisabetta, Regina D'Inghilterra deserves to be known more. It's not up there with one of Rossini's overall masterpieces, but it does have some of the most beautiful music of any of his early operas which is reason enough to check it out at some point. This 1985 production makes do as being the only available production of the opera on DVD, and serves as a good introduction. Technically, it is a let down. The picture quality is fuzzy and unsteady looking, the colours are flat and faded out(often a far too yellowish-browny colour) and the sound is boxed and compacted and doesn't get any better as the production progresses. The production values are sumptuous and regal though, the colours for them are very nice to watch. The staging is compelling at the least also, particularly in Fellon, La Pena Avrai. The orchestra play the score stylishly and beautifully, with the more moving moments done with genuine pathos. The chorus sound great and sing as if they are involved in the drama and love their music, which is a very good thing. The conducting solidly holds everything together. Lella Cuberli's Elisabetta is utterly magnetic and she sings with heft and agility. In support, while an early-career Daniela Dessi shines and is a pleasure to see, Rockwell Blake is the most impressive, he relishes his role and while there are tenors with more beautiful timbres his style, diction, phrasing and musicality are impeccable. In conclusion, not great technically but the performance is very good. 7/10 Bethany Cox
