Review of Verdi: Attila (Muti)

Introduction

The BBC`s Opus Arte collection continues to grow at a pace, offering classic opera on DVD at reasonable prices. Giuseppe Verdi`s "Attila" was first staged just prior to the European revolutions of 1848. This version was recorded live in 1991 at `Teatro all Scala` (The amazing La Scala Theatre in Milan).

Unlocked from the RAI television archive, it`s a straightforward recording of a theatrical performance in one of the world`s greatest theatres.

`Attila` is Verdi`s ninth opera and tells the tale of a conflict between Ezio, a Roman General, and Atilla, a ruthless Nordic invader. It opens with a dramatic massacre where all but a handful of young virgins are destroyed by the Huns. Attila is bemused as to why his men have spared these particular women, despite his orders to destroy them all. It turns out that the women have fought courageously alongside their fathers, brothers and husbands. Amongst these women is Odabella who has witnessed the killing of her father, and who also believes that Foresto, the man she loved, has been killed in battle too. Attila falls in love with this feisty beauty and demands that she and the other women are taken to his camp to become part of his court. He gives her his sword as a token f his devotion and she takes it, pretending to submit to his will. Secretly, she plans revenge.

In Act 1, Foresto reappears and comes to the camp despite the danger. He sees that she has accepted Attila`s sword and mistakenly assumes that she has been unfaithful to him and the memory of her father. She emotionally pleads her case (with a dramatic and an emotive Aria) and he forgives her. After a bad nightmare, Attila awakes and orders his men to start the march on Rome. However, he has barely set off when a group of Romans, led by Pope Leo, the man from his nightmare, descend from the hills. Attila prostrates before him and gives up all notions of attacking Rome.

Act 2 starts with what appears to be a reconciliation between the Roman General, Ezio and Attila the Hun. Foresto tries to poison Attila, but Odabella (wanting to kill Attila by her own hand) warns him. In exchange for saving his life Attila grants her wish of sparing Foresto, and decides that this gesture showed that Odabella is ready to be his wife. Foresto feels betrayed though Odabella beseeches him to escape, assuring him that he will have good reason to forgive her soon enough.

Act 3 brings satisfaction to all those wronged by the murderous barbarian, Attila. Odabella escapes from her wedding, luring Attila into the arms of his enemies. Eventually he falls on his own sword, handled by Odabella, as she reminds him of her Father`s death.

Video

This is a rather straightforward recording of a theatrical event, though it`s all done with great taste and restraint. Often leaving the camera on wide, the dramatic cloudscape backdrop gives the production a magnificent scale and gravitas. The reproduction here is fine, though it should be noted that this is a broadcast video recording, not film. It`s also presented in 4:3, though the opening menu is 16:9.

Audio

Generally very good, though the opening scene`s balance seems in favour of the orchestration with some early dialogue lost. As soon as the incredible Cheryl Studer takes to the stage though, the dialogue is crystal clear - and talking of crystal, it might be prudent to hide it away when she hits the high notes. Wow!

Features

Well, English subtitles which can be pretty useful. There`s also a booklet included that gives a brief synopsis of the plot as well as the key libretto to help those with highbrow Karaoke aspirations.

Conclusion

This recording of Verdi`s ninth opera, the little-seen `Attila`, will be a real treat for fans of opera. World-renowned bass, Samuel Ramey, is quite magnificent in the title role, and he is ably supported by a first-class chorus and orchestra. Soprano Cheryl Studer is pretty incredible too, even impressing this novice who has no real love of opera. The staging is simple, yet highly effective - and the costumes are magnificent.

It`s also worth noting that once you count in the full orchestra, as well as the considerable ensemble gathered on stage for the `big scenes`, as well as all the backstage staff needed to stage a complex opera, that there are a lot of hungry mouths to feed! As a consequence, opera ticket prices remain un-affordably high, which renders it a pastime (generally) of the well-to-do. When Verdi penned this piece, there was nothing high-brow or elitist in its intention, and with a bit of luck, these DVD releases will allow less well-off fans to enjoy the next-best thing to sitting in the stalls.

The setting (La Scala in Milan) is really beautiful with its multi-layered stalls akin to a lavish wedding-cake. The whole production is tastefully and imaginatively staged, and this highly polished recording will give Opera fans many hours of blissful listening and watching pleasure.