John Copley's enduring production of one of the most famously
melodious and popular of all operas is a classic of the Royal
Opera repertory. With historically accurate designs by Julia
Trevelyan Oman and an excellent cast headed by Hibla Gerzmava and
Teodor Ilincai, this 2009 revival, in which conductor Andris
Nelsons makes a distinguished Royal Opera House debut, does full
justice to Puccini's masterpiece.
Press Reviews
"In every sense this Bohème glows. John Copley's legendary
staging with sets by Julia Trevelyan Oman, first seen in 1972, is
renowned for its authenticity and detail, both architectural and
human. Full of telling little touches - the artist Marcello's Act
II girlfriend is his Act IV model - they bring 19th-century
Paris's bustle alive as effectively as any BBC classic...This
latest incarnation, betraying no trace of staleness, has no such
stellar names - yet! -except perhaps Andris Nelsons, boisterous
where precursor Lamberto Gardelli was nostalgic. Instead it
offers a vibrant new ensemble, improbably youthful and
good-looking...On DVD it looks and sounds wonderful - but on
Blu-Ray it's breathtaking. 1982 is a memorable vintage, but La
bohème nouvelle est arrivée - a new recommendation. " (BBC Music
Magazine ★★★★)
"This release is a delight. It features their current production
which has been doing the rounds since the early 1970s, here
revived by the original director himself. Copley's production is
traditional and beautiful, its chief concern being to tell the
story directly. In December 2009 some criticised it for looking a
little worn and shabby. Don’t believe a word of it! In the
close-up of the screen it looks neat, fresh and as good as new,
every piece of furniture and inch of set design serving the
purpose of the drama nicely...Opus Arte's usual high standards
are maintained in the presentation and title menus, and there are
brief interviews with Nelsons and Copley about the production.
There are many Bohèmes available on DVD, but this one is as
recommendable as any, and it feels good to be able to say this
about such a home-grown product. Covent Garden have kept this
production for so long because it works so well, and I think that
anyone with this DVD in their collection would feel the same way.
" (Musicweb International)
"Gerzmava is clear in tone and clean in style, the Rodolfo
(Teodor Ilincai) light and unforced but wanting richness. All act
naturally and well, Jacques Imbrailo (the Schaunard) with
panache." (Gramophone)
"I adore John Copley's classic production of this opera, which
has now been in the repertory at Covent Garden for forty years.
This version comes from 2009, and features Teodor Ilincai and
Hibla Gerzmava as a sensitive pair of lovers. In the pit, Andris
Nelsons draws sumptuous, refined playing from the orchestra. "
(Presto Classical)
Cast
Hibla Gerzmava (Mimi)
Teodor Ilincai (Rodolfo)
Gabriele Viviani (Marcello)
Donald Maxwell (Alcindoro)
Inna Dukach (Musetta)
Kostas Smoriginas (Colline)
Jacques Imbrailo (Schaunard)
Jeremy White (Benoit)
The Orchestra of the Royal Opera House; Andris Nelsons
Production
Company: The Royal Opera
Stage Director: John Copley
Disc Information
Catalogue Number: OABD7060D
Date of Performance: 2009
Running Time: 121 minutes
Sound: 2.0 PCM & 5.1 DTS
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Subtitles: EN, FR, DE, ES, IT
Label: Opus Arte