Mozart: La Clemenza Di Tito / Kaufmann, Welser-mos

1 DVD - Label: Emi Classics - 094637745397 - La Clemenza Di Tito, K.621 - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus - Tenor: Jonas Kaufman - Soprano: Eva Mei - Conductor: Franz Welser-most - Orchestra: Zurich Opera House Orchestra

This is an effective staging, though the set looks medieval and the costumes are modern. It's well paced, well played, well sung. Jonas Kaufmann is an ideal Tito. His voice is not only beautiful and flexible, it's also ample, retaining warmth and sweetness when he sings out. The character of Tito is too good to be true, but Kaufmann makes him intense, noble, and beliveable. Vesselina Kasarova is riviting as Sesto. Her voice is gorgeous and multi-colored, her technique exquisite, her immersion in the role complete. If you think great singing-acting expired with Callas, this DVD will change your mind. Liliana Nikiteanu as Annio, Malin Hertelius as Servilia, and Gunther Groissbock as Publio, have luscious voices and dramatic talent. Nikiteanu is particularly touching.