Die Entführung aus dem Serail

I don't consider Die Entfuhrung Aus Dem Serail Mozart's best work with the story interesting but not always sure which direction it wants to go, but I cannot deny that the music is wonderful with Marten Aller Arten and Ha Wie Will Ich Triumphieren two of my personal favourite Mozart arias.

This 1990 performance is almost perfect. My favourites are still the Glyndebourne performance and the production with Gruberova, Araiza and Talvela, but this is up there with the better productions of this opera.

Costumes and sets are traditional and effective without being too fancy but never tacky. The camera work and picture quality are excellent, as is the sound. The orchestra play with real style and sound wonderfully authentic and Ostman's conducting is faultless. The staging is also assured with some interesting touches such as in Marten Aller Arten, basic perhaps but it adds to the charm really.

Singing is fine. The best is Aga Winska who is outstanding as Konstanze, though Osmin is very funny and ominous as he should be. Richard Croft does show some wonderful passage-work and good technique, however at some points his voice does sound a little tight.

In conclusion, almost perfect. 9/10 Bethany Cox