Whether Medea will become one of the operatic greats I am not sure, coming from someone who hasn't been familiar with it for very long. It does however have a very compelling story and wonderful music so it is an opera well worth hearing at least once. This production is a rare chance to see Medea as an opera experience on DVD, to contrast listening to Callas' deservedly legendary portrayal. And it is a very good one. Perfect? Probably not, when Medea goes into one of her cases there is some really odd editing with images little more than an illogical jumble, Cinzia Forte while a strong and involved actress sings with too much vibrato and swoop and Giuseppe Filianoti's Giasone for my tastes is too lyrical and lightweight(though he does sing very nicely and expressively). However, the production is very accomplished technically, capturing the singers and players evenly and photographing the drama sensitively. While not the most authentic of productions, the moody sets, atmospheric lighting and well-tailored costuming(though the colours may seem somewhat on the blunt side) make it a striking production to look at. The intelligent staging does nothing to spoil things or dampen the drama either, the sitting down and the presence of the ship were interesting ideas that worked to their advantage.
The orchestral playing has style and power and they also play beautifully. The chorus are attentive and their singing is crystalline and appealing on the ears. Evelino Pidò's conducting is clear and just outstanding overall. I may have had reservations about Forte and Filianoti(neither were bad though), but I was very impressed by the performances. The best for me was Sara Mingardo, she as always sings with great depth and beauty, she is very musical and I also love the command in her acting. Giovanni Battista Parodi is both powerful and dignified as Creonte. Anna Caterina Antonacci throws herself into the role of Medea, and does a very successful job. She is a very resourceful actress, there is plenty of fire, passion and fury in her interpretation(if not as thrillingly demonic as Callas), her artistry for me is some of the best of any singing-actress today and while with a beat occasionally her singing is confident and firm without falling prone to ugliness. Overall, fiery, intelligent and excellently performed. 8/10 Bethany Cox
