The Metropolitan Opera's acclaimed Live in High-Definition series, which projects live performances into theaters across the globe, has met with unprecedented critical and commercial success and has made opera convenient and affordable to millions of viewers worldwide. Now, EMI Classics is proud to collaborate with The Met to release 6 new DVDs made from these broadcast performances. Finnish soprano Karita Mattila gives a career-high performance- the New York Times called her "riveting" in Puccini's passionate opera. With an equally superlative performance by James Levine and the Met Orchestra, this is unparalleled music making at its finest.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
More than just great opera:
For me, there has just always been something about Manon Lescaut that moves me deeply. So I admit that I am hard to disappoint when it comes to performances of Puccini's first big hit. Still, I consider myself to be pretty critical and picky, even if I get a little sentimental. I personally think this version easily competes with other DVDs available, and not just because of the musical performances. I attended this performance live at a local movie theatre and was quickly drawn into the compelling,... more info
Uneven, yes, but ultimately very rewarding:
When I first started watching this DVD, I became very apprehensive. The two stars are among my favorite performers, yet unpleasant sounds often came out of their mouths and their acting left much to be desired. But in the third and (particularly) fourth acts, both Karita Mattila and Marcello Giordani were singing and acting beautifully. I think it just must have taken them some time on that day to settle into their performances. Both were producing some exquisite singing and very convincing acting. Ms.... more info
An uneven, frustrating performance:
First off, I'd like to say that I am a huge fan of Karila Mattila. I saw her in Jenufa, and then in Salome, and the Salome remains one of the most memorable of my operatic experiences. I remember the trance-like feeling I got during her performance. So thoroughly did she inhabit the amoral and sensuous Salome that I thought, "This is a soprano who can do anything." Well, this Manon Lescaut proves that she can't. It's hard to tell whether the years have just taken their toll on Mattila, or that she's... more info
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