Europa riconosciuta

Antonio Salieri's, best known to audiences through 'Amadeus', operas are rarely performed today. It is a shame, because while they are nowhere among the greatest ever written, they are to me not bad, let alone second-rate.

There are three DVD productions, as am aware, of his operas available. One each for three operas- 'Falstaff' (my introduction to Salieri opera), 'Tarare' and 'L'Europa Riconosciuta'. All three productions are great productions (particularly the 'Falstaff') of rare operas that do deserve to be performed more often. This 'L'Europa Riconosciuta' is somewhat of a landmark, that is for La Scala, being their first opera re-opening the theatre after a three year period of renovation in its first performance for 226 years.

Just on a side note, the renovation for La Scala is hugely impressive, though when you compare this performance to productions of operas in the 70s-90s available on DVD with regular artists (i.e. Renato Bruson, Giorgio Zancanaro, Chris Merritt) the difference is huge. My only real complaint of the production is the rather strange mish-mash of costumes where it was difficult to determine what time period it was meant to signify.

However, this 'L'Europa Riconsosciuta' does look good elsewhere with interesting and striking rather than ugly sets. Pier Luigi Pizzi's staging makes the drama engaging, nothing is static and nothing falls into distaste either, like too many concept productions have done. The DVD does the production justice, with fluid video directing (never focusing on irrelevant things or resorting to too many close-ups or jump-cuts), clear picture quality and resonant sound where you can really enjoy the textures and singing. The ballet sequences are intimately and energetically choreographed and enchantingly danced.

It is musically though where the production shines even better. Lively and nuanced orchestral playing and a beautifully balanced and engaged chorus always help, both of which the production has. Riccardo Muti, primarily responsible for the opera being revived, conducts with his usual attention to detail, alert sense of drama and incisive but sympathetic at other times tempos.

Singing is superb across the board, Diana Damrau (one of my favourites today and still going strong) and Desiree Rancatore are especially praise-worthy. Damrau is spot on vocally and is a highly committed actress and sensitive musician, while Rancatore's technique and high notes dazzle. Can't not mention Daniela Barcellona either, her voice firm and rich and in full command of her acting. Genia Kühmeier and Giuseppe Sabatini fare strongly too, though their roles are not as interesting or as meaty.

Overall, a rare opera done justice. 9/10 Bethany Cox