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Le Nozze di Figaro

post #1 of 15
11/4/09 at 7:19pm
Thread Starter 
Can someone recommend a great version of this opera ?

I just got tickets to go see it at the Met but don't know it at all, so I need one or two performances to listen to before I go


thx !
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post #2 of 15
11/5/09 at 1:34am
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f9/moz...s-best-157956/
In this thread there are some wonderful Figaro suggestions. I like Rene Jacobs one, but there are more worth checking out.
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post #3 of 15
11/5/09 at 1:38am
Thread Starter 
thx !
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post #4 of 15
11/5/09 at 1:51am
René Jacobs as conductor is definetely a great recording of this Opera. This guy is really well known and respected in the industry.

Amazon.com: Mozart - Le nozze di Figaro / Gens · Ciofi · Kirchschlager · Regazzo · Keenlyside · McLaughlin · van Rensburg · Abete · Rial · Concerto Köln · René Jacobs: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Véronique Gens, Patrizia Ciofi, Angelika Kirchschlager, L

He also conducted Don Giovanni and Così Fan Tutte which received many awards including the Diapason d'or.
In addition, the good thing with Jacobs recording is that it is very recent so the SQ and recording quality is impecable.

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post #5 of 15
11/5/09 at 1:52am
for nozze, i think these would be the top choices.











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post #6 of 15
11/5/09 at 2:14am
Amazon.com: Mozart - Le Nozze di Figaro / Te Kanawa, Cotrubas, von Stade, Luxon, Skram, Fryatt; Pritchard, Glyndebourne Opera: Kiri te Kanawa, Ileana Cotrubas, Frederica von Stade, Benjamin Luxon, Knut Skram, John Pritchard: Music

A good, dirt cheap option. When you are trying to get into an opera a DVD option with subtitles is usually better than a CD option.
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post #7 of 15
11/5/09 at 9:39am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by punk_guy182 View Post
René Jacobs as conductor is definetely a great recording of this Opera. This guy is really well known and respected in the industry.

Amazon.com: Mozart - Le nozze di Figaro / Gens · Ciofi · Kirchschlager · Regazzo · Keenlyside · McLaughlin · van Rensburg · Abete · Rial · Concerto Köln · René Jacobs: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Véronique Gens, Patrizia Ciofi, Angelika Kirchschlager, L

He also conducted Don Giovanni and Così Fan Tutte which received many awards including the Diapason d'or.
In addition, the good thing with Jacobs recording is that it is very recent so the SQ and recording quality is impecable.
Super! thanks man.

This is what I was going to order already last night after taking a look at the thread recommended in prior post.
I do have a question though. There seem to be a Hybrid SACD version as well and I wonder whether I should or should not get that one. My experience with that format is limited, I might have 4-5 cd's, but I sure remember them being pretty good.

I think for now I just will order the one you reference. Thanks a million for actually posting the link to it.
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post #8 of 15
11/5/09 at 9:51am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by vcoheda View Post
for nozze, i think these would be the top choices.
great, thanks ! lots of suggestions.

Can't wait to start.
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post #9 of 15
11/7/09 at 2:21pm
Personally, I'd go with the ones conducted by Kleiber and Giulini.
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post #10 of 15
11/10/09 at 6:33pm
Hybrid albums can be played in a normal CD player or in a SACD player.
The recording that own is hybrid but I only use it in a CD player.
If I remember correctly, Dan Lavry has stated that SACD is a poorly implemented format. I don't think it will last long.
I would stick with the normal CD version unless you want to spend some money in a good SACD transport.
I presently listen to all my music stored on my computer's hard drive.
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post #11 of 15
11/11/09 at 9:58am
Thread Starter 
thank Punk_g - Actually I heard the same about SACD not really going anywhere. So I went ahead and started with the R. Jacobs from HM, the non SACD version.

Oh man, you mention hard drives .... it is a bit my nighmare these days, but it is indeed my intention to have all my music accessible on hd, hopefully shareable with multiple locations .....
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post #12 of 15
11/11/09 at 1:45pm
If possible I always like to get a reference DVD version of major opera with English subtitles......Extremely helpful to associate storyline with songs, helps you visualize scence when listening to CD only versions........DVD version same price as CD or lower because fewer discs needed plus many extra featurettes etc.

For CD version if I could have only one I agree with Vcoheda.....
The Giulini/EMI with a great female trio of Schwarzkopf/Moffo/Cossotto sets the standard in extremely deep field and stereo sound still holds up well today the fact that price is so low now makes it essential Mozart opera purchase

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post #13 of 15
11/11/09 at 4:33pm
Also use the wonderful resource known as youtube.........

There are a ton of opera scences waiting to be explored.
A highlight of Figaro is when the mischievious rogue Cherubino seeks the advice of the Countess in matters of love, sings a song he composed......the aria Voi Che Sapete

YouTube - Voi Che Sapete - Maria Ewing
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post #14 of 15
11/12/09 at 1:38am
Thread Starter 
oh yes, what I fabulous area !!!

I am discovering this opera with such immense pleasure ! of course I sort of "knew" many of the pieces, but slowly piecing it all together is just another experience of beauty.

But then I will counter...."porgi amor" such a condensed, little piece of amazing musical creation ! Profound glory.

YouTube - Maria Callas - Porgi Amor - Le Nozze di Figaro
(this uTube piece does not do it much justice though!)

By the way I find the version I received (R. Jacobs, HM) very nice so far, in fact near flawless. My only minor complaint is that at times I feel the highs in the female voices a bit out of control, too bright/metallic. But I am totally happy nonetheless, this is something that I have noticed occasionally and did not disturb me so much at all.
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post #15 of 15
11/12/09 at 1:50am
Thread Starter 
and tomorrow it's Don Giovanni, at NY City Opera !

DG is very special to me and I can't wait to see this production .... Le Nozze di Figaro will be at the Met, in a couple of weeks.

Thank you guys for the wonderful ideas, I still have not decided of my next Figaro, but will do so soon, after I feel familiar enough with RJ work on it.
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