"Catch Joyce DiDonato and Juan Diego Flórez in what may just be definitive
performances in Rossini's enchanting rags-to-riches rendition," entreated
James Sohre in his review of Rossini's beloved drama giocoso "La
Cenerentola" in Opera Today. This recording from Barcelona's Gran Teatre
del Liceu captures all the vocal sparks and dazzle generated by these two
phenomenal singers.
With his airy, effortless high notes and perfect command of rapid-fire
Rossinian parlando, the charismatic Flórez (who also stars in Unitel's
recording of Donizetti's "La fille du régiment") once again proves that he
was born to sing Rossini. American mezzo Joyce DiDonato is not only a
beautiful Angelina and a stunning presence, but also a prodigiously gifted
artist who moves with ease and grace from the most delicate pianissimi to
the most heartrending outbursts of passion. A noted bel canto singer, Ms.
DiDonato won the Metropolitan Opera's Beverly Sills Award in 2007.
Coproduced by the Houston Grand Opera, the Welsh National Opera Cardiff
and Geneva's Grand Théâtre in addition to the Liceu, this international
undertaking boasts a truly cosmopolitan flair. Conducting the Orchestra of
the Gran Teatre del Liceu, Patrick Summers leads "an effervescent reading"
(Opera Today) that is fully supported by the rest of the top-notch cast.
Director Joan Font and his set and costume designer Joan Guillén keep the
audience busy with many lovingly crafted details, including dancers
costumed as rats, cheerily colorful costumes and imaginative lighting
effects, courtesy of Albert Faura. Light and bubbly, this is Rossini at
his finest!
This production will be released on DVD soon!