L'élixir d'amour

This 1996 production is a very charming one, and does Donizett's brilliant comic opera to justice perfectly. The production is benefited by some lovely sets and the gorgeous costumes. I will give it isn't the most lavish opera production I have ever seen, but what I liked most about it is that in terms of design it goes for simplicity while being effective as well.

Donizetti's music is a true treat. The highlight of the score is the beautiful O Furtiva Lagrima, which is probably one of the most heart-rending arias in the history of opera. Anything Dulcamara sings is bound to have you in giggles, and Adina has some truly beautiful music to show off.

The conducting is spot on, and the orchestra play beautifully throughout. If I had any criticism at all, it would be that I did find that in O Furtiva Lagrima, that Roberto Alagna was slightly behind the orchestra. But no matter, because it was still a heart-rending performance of the aria.

The singing is brilliant, and the acting is just as good. Roberto Alagna is in fine vocal form, and is wonderfully feckless as Nemorino. Angela Gheorghiu, who is getting better vocally every time I hear her, is stunning as Adina. Roberto Scaltriti is very good as Belcore, while Simone Alaimo is just superb as the quack Dulcamara, and comes very close to stealing the show.

All in all, perfectly charming, and I was absolutely convinced by this production. A must see! 9/10 Bethany Cox

Can you imagine Luciano Parvarotti act as a young, handsome peasant? So can't I, and hence I fell in love with the Opéra de Lyon production of Donizetti's light opera the first time I saw it on TV. Roberto Alagna and Angela Gheroghiu are as convincing actors as they are virtuous singers, and also the rest of the cast is absolutely believable in their roles.

Conductor Evelino Pidò takes a welcome break from the well worn belcanto tradition and delivers the musical score in a refreshingly light manner, although the tempi get sometimes recklessly fast.

The DVD comes with a 51-Minute feature that illustrates the emergence of this production and serves equally well as an introduction to the opera itself.

This sunniest of all operas receives an utterly charming production by the National Opera of Lyon. Roberto Alagna is as feckless a Nemorino as you could hope for, and he and his (then) new wife Angela Georghiu make a very attractive couple. The singing is excellent all round, and --more importantly for me-- the acting is first rate. Do not hesitate to buy this one for yourself! It will make you smile from beginning to end, and even tear up at all the happiness implicit in the plot and the music.