Pergolesi's opera La Serva Padrona is very short, at just under an hour, but with its wit and beautiful music, it is time very well spent. It also is significant in the rise to opera buffa. And I had an equally wonderful time watching this opera film. The decision to have the second aria Ma Quando La Finisci proved to be an interesting and good one. Visually, it does look stunning, it is full of colour and evocative detail, while the whole film is very well shot in an inventive way, especially with the orchestra. Speaking of the orchestra, they play superbly, Pergolesi's music still has the lyrical beauty and stylish wit amplified by the orchestra as it should do. The conducting is also assured, without ever letting the energy lag. From a dramatic point of view, that is yet another strong asset. It is very innovative and unmistakably Brazilian yet also maintains the opera's spirit. I found the acting to be great, true it is not very "subtle" and may seem overdone, but considering the overall nature of farce and opera buffa it was appropriate actually I thought. The singing as to be expected is faultless, as are the overall performances. José Carlos Leal has a great sense of comic timing, and boasts a firm yet also flexible voice. Sylvia Klein has a presence that is both sexy and bubbly, and she sings beautifully. All in all, a really wonderful opera film. 10/10 Bethany Cox
