This mayn't be the definitive version of The Barber of Seville, but it is a forgotten treasure. Sung in German, it is very entertaining and doesn't leave me bored once. The costumes are lovely, particularly Rosina's dress in the last act and the sets are nice and traditional. The music by Rossini is masterful, the Overture, Largo Al Factotum and Una Voce Poca Fa are among the highlights and they are brilliantly performed, with Joseph Kielberth assuredly conducting. The performances is excellent; Hermann Prey is brilliant as Figaro with a hearty voice, great musicianship and a presence that shows that he is clearly enjoying himself, his Largo Al Factotum is quite simply a comic masterpiece, and Fritz Wunderlich is a dashing Almaviva singing with beauty and flexibility. Erika Koth is astounding in the role of Rosina, with a dazzling, trill-like colouratura voice, and Max Probestl is a fine Bartolo, loved the vocal shadings, how he characterised the words and of course his amusing presence. And Hans Hotter is rock solid as always as Basilio performing with elegance and wicked humour. Overall, a real treasure not as good as the 1973 film perhaps but definitely worth the watch. 10/10 Bethany Cox
