The Metropolitan Opera Presents (TV Series) Un ballo in maschera (1980) User Reviews

Strong Central Performance By Pavarotti.

[rsoonsa · 9/10 · 28 July 2006]

Finding an appropriate locale for the setting of Verdi's UN BALLO DE MASCHERA has been as replete with melodrama as is any of the composer's operas. The original site was to be Sweden, after Eugène Scribe's libretto that narrates of the assassination in 1792 of King Gustavus III at a court ball. Planned to be held at Naples in 1848, the première of UN BALLO was cancelled after an attempt upon the life of Napoleon III was made in Paris, a reactive Neapolitan government then banning any representation of regicide upon its stages. Verdi withdrew the work rather than accede to offered censorship, thereby becoming a nationalistic symbol of independence to all of those Italians who were striving for a unified Italy. Verdi produced the opera in Rome after agreeing to shift dramatic action outside of Europe, in this instance to Boston, where Gustavus was metamorphosed into a colonial Massachusetts Governor, but since an eighteenth century northern European court does not blend very well into Calvinist New England, no matter how skilled the writing, most subsequent productions have reverted to Stockholm. However, for this version, filmed during a performance of the Metropolitan Opera Company on 16 February,1980, Boston with its environs is the setting once again, and although decor from Peter Wexler does seem to be a trifle grandiose, costumes by Peter J. Hall are designed beautifully, a viewer nonetheless realising that the cast might be clad as representations of provender for a salad bar for all of the actual effect that could have upon the melodious masterpiece of Verdi. This is the first Metropolitan appearance for Luciano Pavarotti as Ricardo, "Count of Warwick" and, for that matter, also the initial Met performance by Katia Ricciarelli as Amelia, while sprightly lyric colouratura Judith Blegen as the page Oscar (after Thomas Gainsborough's Blue Boy), is only in her second season with the Company, having debuted as Papagena in THE MAGIC FLUTE during the year prior, and each of these singers benefits from this pan and scan taping, not often a hospitable form of cinematographic method for opera. Pavarotti, who had not performed at the Met since its 1978 Tosca, is at the peak of his career, completely free of vibrato, and acts with enthusiasm. Ricciarelli's voice is a trifle lacking in the thrust that is beneficial for singing Amelia, but she as ever displays a musicologist's care for her part, while people's choice basso Louis Quilico's limited acting ability is less significant than his note perfect singing as Renato. Contralto Bianca Berini has a bit of trouble with the bottom range in her turn as Ulrica, the fortune-teller, but this results from a natural insufficiency rather than a poor performance, and dramatically she is sound. As Silvano, a sailor, sturdy John Darrenkamp is able to imbue his brief appearance with his vivid personality. Perhaps the brightest star of this production is maestro Giuseppe Patane, who leads his charges in the pit with intensity while giving perfect support to the singers during their most harrowing moments. The five act work has been altered into an opera for three acts for this version and many arias receive graceful treatment. There are very few negative aspects to this film: the customary applause after vocal solos that halts the action, freezing the singers; tiresome taking of multiple bows by principals following each act, even when they haven't performed much at all; sporadic lighting and camera placement flaws. Briefly released as part of a DVD set, now out-of-print, a Bel Canto VHS version is also no longer in print but yet can be found. It offers accurate subtitles and a valuable booklet that features notes by Andrew Porter.

A beautifully done production

[TheLittleSongbird · 9/10 · 23 May 2011]

I adore opera, always have, so I was all for seeing this production of an opera by my favourite opera composer that I knew little about until fairly recently. And it was beautifully done. The production looks very elegant and grandiose not just in the videography but especially in the costumes and sets, while the music by Verdi is wonderful, especially the beautiful and intense Eri Tu. The story is not the most interesting and plausible of all of Verdi's operas, but it held my attention enough to make it not matter too much. Apart from the performances, the orchestra and conducting are what make this production, the orchestra are as solid as ever and Giuseppe Patane's conducting is done with real flair and intensity. The singing is top notch. Luciano Pavarotti is excellent as Riccardo, his wonderful personality and voice(especially in his final passage) come through loud and clear and his acting, which is enthusiastic here, is growing on me. Katia Ricciarelli performs her role of Amelia with real musicality, and Bianca Berini is a good Ulrica excelling in the dramatics of the role especially. Judith Blegen is suitably angelic and lyrical, and while he doesn't quite command the stage as much, apart from Eri Tu which has to be one of his best ever operatic moments, as I would have liked vocally Louis Quillico is spot on. Overall, beautiful and interesting to watch. 9/10 Bethany Cox

Very well done Un Ballo In Maschera

[AngelofMusic1998 · 9/10 · 10 April 2023]

Un Ballo in Maschera is not among my favorite Verdi operas .Its story does not toich me as for example the stories of Rigoletto,La Traviata,Aida or Othello do. The production looks amazing,with sets and costumes that truly do transport you to the opera. Luciano Pavarotti ,one of the world's best tenors,gives a truly great performance as Riccardo. His voice is lyrical,lovely (especially in the final lines) and his acting as Riccardo is truly great. Katia Ricciarelli as Amelia gives a truly touching performance of a woman torn between loyalty and love. Louis Qilico as Renato does not quite command the stage(except in Renato's amazing Eri Tu),but he does show all complexities of the most interesting character in this opera. Overall,great Un Ballo In Maschera.9/10.