Rienzi

Rienzi is somewhat problematic as an opera and not Wagner's best, but it has wonderful music(Rienzi's Prayer for one) and does deserve to be performed more often. For a long time I had this production on a very old VHS, sadly now(two days ago was the last time I saw this Rienzi) the video is very worn and no longer works, so I can no longer watch this production. A shame really, because it is a great production, on my VHS the picture quality was fuzzy with some wobbly moments and the sound is rather muffled, but even they aren't big enough flaws to completely hinder the production. The costumes and sets are atmospheric, while the orchestral playing is full of power and pathos and the conducting commanding. The staging does a great job at keeping the story as compelling as possible, and the lighting adds much to the story's tone while never too bright or dark. The singing is also highly recommendable, Gerd Brenneiss is a moving Rienzi with his rendition of Rienzi's Prayer one of the best renditions of any Wagner scene I've heard recently. Jeannine Altmeyer's Irene is as radiant in interpretation as it is in singing, Heinz Petters' basso voice for Steffano is suitably sonorous and Glenys Linos acquits herself very well in the trouser role of Adriano. Overall, a great Rienzi, I just wish there will be a DVD in the future. 9/10 Bethany Cox