Verdi - Rigoletto / Domingo, MacNeil, Cotrubas, Diaz, Levine, Metropolitan Opera

This is a classic, traditional staging of Rigoletto, almost up there with my favorite, Riccardo Chailly, the Vienna Philharmonic, and Pavarotti, Wixell, and Gruberova. This one is well sung and well acted, with Placido Domingo, Cornell MacNeil, and Illeana Cotrubas in top form. James Levine and the Metropolitan Opera are also beyond reproach.A very positive plus is the superb acting and singing of Cornell MacNeil, who maintains the tortured presence of the tormented (and tormenting) Rigoletto in every minute of every scene.The only negative for me (and it may not be so for you) was the Maddalena, of Isola Jones. To my preferences, she was just too strange looking with too much white makeup above her eyes, and a grotesquely overflowing bosom. If this is the only complaint I have, then you can see that the performance was otherwise outstanding.You will find Placido Domingo singing to perfection, and again, MacNeil's Rigoletto is, on its own, worth the price of the DVD. I still believe the Chailly Rigoletto with Pavarotti, Wixell and Gruberova is better, but perhaps that's because of the superb brother/sister assassin combo of Ferruccio Furlanetto and Victoria Vergara, as Sparafucile and Maddalena. You can't go wrong with either version and both is even better!

This is a 1977 production of Rigoletto, which was transferred, from what appears to be half-inch Beta tape, directly to DVD. Consequently, the audio and video quality reflect the technology of that time. Nonetheless, the quality of the singing is excellent, which is the most important part of an opera. Some of the lighting is dark but, remember, this opera takes place in an era which was illuminated by candlelight. Therefore, the heavy shadows and dark sectors are realistic and appropriate to a period-correct set, which this is. Domingo, MacNeil, Diaz and Cotrubas are in top form. All others carry their parts well. This version is vastly superior to the Met’s recent production, which moved the venue to Vegas and the time period to the early 1960s.

As indicated on other reviews, there is a fantastic amount of artistic talent on just this one DVD. Domingo, Macneil, Cotrubas, and many others as well as Levine with the orchestra and chorus, And Deutsche Grammaphon provides a quality DVD experience on their "region 0 (worldwide -PAL and NTSC" ) capability. What's more to like about this fine opera DVD?

I watched this opera twice......in the same week.As long as you can suspend your common sense and believe in the power of verbal curses.......the opera draws you into the action....and the story becomes interesting and suspenseful.The music is beautiful....gorgeous!I loved Rigoletto (MacNeil). At the end, MacNeil sings the optional high A....without effort. What a master!! How can anyone find fault with this man in this role ?? I know those that find fault cannot do any better...!!I really found this DVD to be a little gem !If you are undecided, I urge you to consider it.

Domingo sings beautifully although the part is high for his voice. Cotrubas sings with passion. I have always enjoyed her voice but others may prefer a coloratura in this role.It is nice to a have document of MacNeil's Rigoletto. I saw him multiple times at the Met from 72-76 when I was in college. Although his voice is not beautiful at this point in his career, there is still plenty of power and emotion. The singers and production brought back many memories of the Met and these artists.

Metropera has produced a lasting production of "Rigoletto" and the performance is at the highest of standards.

As others have written, brilliant singing above what we have become accustomed to recently, along with mediocre video. MacNeil's wooden acting does not vitiate what is a classic assumption of the great role.I am paying no disservice to Robert Merrill when I say MacNeil was, with him, the other great post-war American baritone after Warren's demise. And "American" doesn't mean "with reservations", he was every bit as wonderfull as other post-war luminaries of baritone voice like Lisitsian, Herlea, Taddei, and Bastianini, and maybe even a better singer.My good fortune was that his career extended past "his best" so that I could hear him perform, and I can say that his singing in person was just as beautiful as I knew it from recordings, maybe more beautiful, just gorgeous.So, in the slim pickings that is opera video, this recording is a treasure.

what can i say , this is a 5 star de luxe production , all the pricipale singers a for more than 100% the person they are singing !everything is fantastic the set , the sound , the costumes !just buy this one , an have a great time watching this super production of the famous opera Rigoltto !and this one is so different as all the other ones , they put the story 400 years later , Las Vegas (1960 ) victor Hugo made a story of alltime ! 5 star + .

Cornel MacNeil was possibly one of the finest Rigoletto's ever recorded. His voice sounds a little tired in places, but that kind of adds to the drama in my opinion, Rigoletto is a bitter old man, so a fresh voiced baritone doesn't convey that personality well enough. MacNeil has incredible high notes, that never lose the baritonal sound, just awesome!Domingo is in fine voice as the Duke, but he never had the top D that many tenors use in Rigoletto, and by his own admission, he never liked playing the bad guys!Ileana Cotrubas plays a very believable Gilda and conveys enough "innocence" without being coy, and the rest of the cast all give fine performances. The staging and directing are also brilliant.For me, it is MacNeil that makes this DVD a must have. This is the second copy I have bought, I lent the first one and never got it back!

The used DVD came in excellent condition. Showed it to friends who greatly enjoyed this early recording

Excellent production by MET comes to video! Everything is good here. Staging, set, orchestra, singers!I think, this is the only production of Rigoletto you should have at home.

Loved it. Would like to see a more updated version.

Excellent