When video director Brian Large saw Cecilia Bartoli as Cenerentola in 1992, he was determined to capture this Bologna production on video. He was deeply impressed by the Italian singer: 'a true virtuoso mezzo-coloratura in the style of Supervia and Berganza'. He was also fond of De Simone's 18th-century setting. Three years later, Large got his chance when the Houston, Texas opera house staged the
… same production with a superior cast including Bartoli. The magnificent buffo bass Enzo Dara plays a Don Magnifico, who is not so much devilishly evil as silly and small-hearted. The gallant tenor Raul Giménez is Bartoli's prince and together they sing a duet that gives you butterflies in your stomach. The diva herself plays Cinderella as a rebellious member of the proletariat, whose metamorphosis into a forgiving queen is all the more impressive. A performance with great vocals and a lot of chemistry on stage. By the way, almost the same cast (with William Matteuzzi instead of Giménez) made a complete CD recording of Rossini's opera conducted by Riccardo Chailly. (CP)more
