I love opera, and I love Cilea's Andriana Lecouvreur for the heartfelt story, intriguing characters-Adriana is unforgettable- and sublime music. This is my favourite Adriana. I could completely forgive the rather grainy picture quality for how well sung and moving this 1976 production was.
The costumes and sets are handsome without being too simple or fancy, and the video directing is good enough. The music is beautifully performed by the orchestra and the conducting is assured without rushing or plodding.
The performances are exceptional. Of the four Adrianas I've seen and heard, the other three being Tebaldi, Freni and Sutherland, all excellent, Montserrat Caballe in a very musical, wonderfully acted performance, is my favourite.
She has a more than perfect support cast, including a dashing Jose Carreras, a superb Fiorenza Cossotto and a fine Ivo Vinco. All in all, an outstanding Adriana Lecouvreur and my favourite production so far of this fine opera. 10/10 Bethany Cox
