Donizetti: Lucia di Lammermoor.(Sound Recording Review)

DONIZETTI: Lucia di Lammermoor

Devia, Sovilla; La Scola, Gavazzi, Berti, Bruson, Colombara; Orchestra & Chorus of Teatro alla Scala, Ranzani. Opus Arte DVD OA LS3003 D (Naxos, dist.), subtitled, 140 mins.

As with any performance of Lucia di Lammermoor, interest in this DVD centers on the protagonist, in this case the excellent Mariella Devia. As far as Lucias go, Devia is neither the bird variety nor the heavier post-Callas sort but somewhere in between. Her well-focused soprano is nicely balanced, utilizing more forward placement and heft for dramatic moments and relying on her facility with a dome-like position of the soft palate for floated effects. Devia's vocalism is always classy, her agility good, and she works hard to overcome the danger of dullness that might come with the (bizarre) liability of a rock-solid technique, by keeping attention and energy concentrated on the drama throughout.

This 1992 La Scala production was designed and directed by Pier'Alli, who created atmospheric sets and lavish costumes. (He does have an unfortunate preference for overlarge and silly hats on the men.) Sometimes the direction utilizes formalized gestures or rhythmic steps for the chorus, which don't quite work, especially ma-screen; elsewhere, a more vibrantly dramatic approach to characterization livens things up. On the whole, with the aid of Devia's animated portrayal, all the important moments have punch. The edition used includes both the Raimondo--Lucia duet and the oft-cut Wolf's Crag duct for Edgardo and Enrico, but within this essentially complete version, all the usual smaller cuts are taken, and Enrico loses a verse of his opening cabaletta.

In the initial scene, the authoritative Renato Bruson presents a rather mature Enrico, and his voice is somewhat dry and heavy for this bel canto villain. The chores also appears here to be more bored than bloodthirsty. With the fountain scene, Devia gets ...