Così fan tutte

I love Mozart and opera, so naturally I was eager to see this film version of Cosi Fan Tutte. And I loved it, as far as these Jean-Pierre Ponnelle opera films go I do prefer Le Nozze Di Figaro(1975), Rigoletto(1982) and Der Barbier Von Sevilla(1973), but this Cosi Fan Tutte is still excellent.

Visually and musically, Cosi Fan Tutte cannot be faulted at all. The sets are beautifully constructed and the costumes are suitably sumptuous. The photography captures this perfectly, nothing too dizzying or hackneyed here, and Ponnelle's direction is impeccable.

Mozart's music is sublime from start to finish, the standout for me always being the "soave sia il vento" trio, which is still one of my favourite Mozart moments. The story still maintains its sense of fun and freshness and the characters especially Despina are all endearing.

There is some stylish orchestral playing and well judged conducting that doesn't plod too much during the recitatives. When it comes to the acting and singing, there is not a weak link with Dolores Ziegler charming, Luis Lima and Ferruccio Furlanetto an amusing pair of lovers and Paolo Mantarsolo his usual characterful self, but a very funny Teresa Stratas and a vocally flexible Edita Gruberova stand out in particular.

Overall, a wonderful opera film. 9/10 Bethany Cox