Le Nozze Di Figaro is one of my all-time favourites and I was actually recommended this 1981 performance. And I thought it was surprisingly very good, I say surprisingly because the reviews on Amazon are quite mixed.
My only real criticisms are some of the tempos, fast tempos can be exciting in Mozart, but some of the speeds are not just fast, they're break-neck speed and could have been slowed down a little. The end of act 3 should be very stately, but that among others felt rushed through.
The orchestra have several nice moments such as the very end of act 4, at first I wasn't sure about the forte piano instead of the harpsichord but it didn't spoil the performance at all. The strings occasionally are are a little scrawny and flat, particularly in Dove Sono.
Also, the sound is fine as is the camera work, but the picture quality is rather fuzzy.
On a production values point of view, this Figaro is really quite charming. I loved the colourful sets and the sumptuous costuming. It is a traditional yet very beautiful production. The music is wonderful, right from the recitatives, the overture, duets, trio, the big ensemble at the end of act 2 and of course the solos, as is the story which has a lot of wit and heart to it.
I also loved the performances. My favourites were Georgina Resick's playful and very sweet Susanna, Sylvia Lindenstrand's poignant and dignified Countess and Ann Christine Biel's subtle Cherubino. Though one mustn't dispute Per Arne-Wahlgren's stern Count and Mikhael Samuelson's hearty Figaro. Bartolo and Marcellina are also played to perfection, Basilio is just adequate.
All in all, surprisingly very good if imperfect. 7/10 Bethany Cox
