I am a fan of opera and especially of Verdi. Rigoletto is one of my favourites of his, with music as good as Caro Nome, the quartet, Cortigiani, La Donna E Mobile, Si Vendetta..., Ella Mi Fu Rapita... and La Maledizione and the compelling story and characters(who are real bruisers to sing) you can't help being swept in the drama of it all. This Rigoletto is wonderful. The orchestra play absolutely superbly, and James Levine's conducting is lively and musical and doesn't plod too much(despite his apparent notoriety for slow speeds). The performances are truly excellent, Christianne Eda-Pierre is great as Gilda, shining especially in Caro Nome, the Quartet and the final duet between her and Quilico(Rigoletto). With his infectious personality and unique ringing voice, Luciano Pavarotti proves why the Duke of Mantua is one of his best roles, performing La Donna E Mobile with vigour, Questo o quella with playful zest and Ella Mi Fu Rapita with thoughtfulness and poise. Louis Quilico makes for a Rigoletto that is both malevolent and moving, complete with an outstanding Cortigiani and a blood-curdling La Maledizione. All in all, just wonderful. 10/10 Bethany Cox
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