User Reviews

La Pietra Del Paragone may not to me be one of Rossini's best operas, but you can see why it was an instant success when it was first performed as the music is as always with Rossini wonderful and distinctive of his style. And this is a fine production. The costumes and sets are traditional and true to period. While not eye-popping-ly gorgeous the colours do look very attractive. The staging is always involving as well as intelligent and poignant with good use of the stage. The orchestral playing is entirely respectful of Rossini's style and allows the pathos of the music to come through as well. The chorus blend beautifully, while the conducting keeps things together efficiently, giving the drama its intimacy and freedom of pace instead of rushing through it. The singing from the principals is excellent. Alessandro Corbelli and Claudio Desderi stood out to me. They are no strangers to Rossini, if more in the more opera Buffo roles rather than the Melodramma Giocoso ones(where La Pietra Del Paragone comes under), and their expertise really shines through in their healthily and characterfully produced voices and commanding stage presences. Daniela Dessi would go on to give better performances in roles she was more suited in, but like with her La Scala Fiordiligi she sings strongly with a good deal of flexibility, and she manages to both charm and move dramatically. Ugo Benelli also conveys the drama very well, and while he doesn't have my favourite kind of voice he sings pleasingly. Justino Diaz unique bass-baritone voice is also even and powerful with a pleasing style, and his stage presence is imposing. Julia Hamari and Antonella Pianezzola are lovely, and while a little stolid Armando Ariostini makes up for it with the pleasant ring he has to his voice. All in all, a beautifully sung and done production. 10/10 Bethany Cox