Opera Pulse reviewer Jennifer Sams has a newly published rave review of Delos’ newest DVD release Hvorostovsky in Moscow!
“Russian baritone Dmitri Hvorostovsky‘s commanding presence and colorful voice make the newly released video, Hvorostovsky in Moscow, a “must see” for all opera lovers…
“Dmitri Hvorostovsky has a powerful presence, from his voice to his posture. The first selection on this DVD, “Carlo’s aria,” from Guiseppi Verdi’s, Ernani, makes apparent just how perfect Hvorostovsky’s voice is for this genre…This concert DVD offers the viewer a better opportunity to see the facial expressions of the soloist; something often lost in a live concert or production depending on where you sit. I particularly appreciate the changes in character Hvorostovsky adopts for “Rodrigo’s aria” in Verdi’s Don Carlo and the reactions he displays in Verdi’s Un Ballo in Maschera, Act III, scene I.
“Hvorostovsky is joined by American soprano, Sondra Radvanovsky, for two scenes from Verdi operas Un Ballo in Maschera, Act III, scene I and the Confrontation scene from Act IV of Il Trovatore. Her warm yet vibrant timbre is a perfect match for the baritone…In the final selection of the concert, the Act IV Confrontation scene from Verdi’s Il Trovatore, there is a moment when both performers kneel: Their emotions at this point are spellbinding! As Leonora, Radvanovsky is able to display the range of her instrument. She effortlessly produces a vibrant high C as she swears herself to the Count and then, in contrast, she hits us with low chest pitches as she threatens him. Hvorostovsky does a fantastic job of earning hatred as the Count. His articulation of “you are mine” made my skin crawl!
“Overall, this DVD provides a fun hour of entertainment. I would especially recommend it if you enjoyed Dmitri Hvorostovsky’s performance on February 25th in the Metropolitan Opera’s Live Broadcast of Ernani. For further listening, you can also consider purchasing Delos Records “Verdi Opera Scenes.” The CD includes arias and scenes performed by Dmitri Hvorostovsky and Sondra Radvanovsky accompanied by the Philharmonia of Russia under the direction of Constantine Orbelian.” —Jennifer Sams, Opera Pulse
Read the full review on OperaPulse.com!
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