Verdi - Simon Boccanegra (James Levine, Placido Domingo) ~ Download Share

Verdi - Simon Boccanegra (James Levine, Placido Domingo)

Verdi - Simon Boccanegra (James Levine, Placido Domingo) I am writing this review (with all due respect) to counter the review below that advises Placido Domingo to give up singing baritone roles. Domingo is a great artist whose longevity on the operatic scene is a source of admiration to me. While he is no longer a young singer, he has matured as an artist and as an actor. All this is evident from his performance here as Simon Boccanegra which is moving and heart-felt. I do not believe this is Mr. Domingo's attempt to have a second career as a baritone, it is simply that he CAN sing this role and he brings so much to it. At this stage in his career and with all the gifts that he has given us over the years, if he wants to sing a baritone role, I would say go for it. I would like to also point out that many years ago when he was singing all the great tenor roles, he recorded Figaro in the Barber of Seville (another baritone role). Some of these baritone roles have a high tessitura and they could easily be sung by a dramatic tenor. I also would like to point out that Adrienne Pieczonka is marvelous singer and great artist. For me any chance to see her perform is a great occasion. I do not believe for a second that she is having an off night in this DVD Verdi - Simon Boccanegra (James Levine, Placido Domingo).

Performer:
Paolo Albiani – Stephen Gaertner
Pietro – Richard Bernstein
Simon Boccanegra - Placido Domingo
Jacopo Fiesco – James Morris
Amelia Grimaldi – Adrianne Pieczonka
Gabriele Adorno – Marcello Giordani
Amelia’s lady-in-waiting – Joyce El-Khoury
A Captain – Adam Laurence Herskowitz
The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and Chorus
Conductor – James Levine
Stage director – Peter McClintock

Live in HD Transmission on February 6, 2010
Bonus: Renee Fleming interviews James Levine