Dvorak: Rusalka / Conlon, Fleming

Orchestra: Opera National De Paris - Conductor: James Conlon - Soprano: Renee Fleming

Antonin Dvorak: Rusalka, Op.114

Quite simply this is finest DVD of 'Rusalka' available on the market. Recorded live from the Opera National de Paris in 2002, this production features some of the finest singers of the Czech repertoire. Headlining the cast in the title role, a role she has championed, is Renee Fleming. She is joined by a strong triumvirate of singers; Larissa Diadkova as Jezibaba, Sergei Larin as the Prince, and consumate pro Franz Hawlata as Vodnik. Under James Conlon, the Chorus and Orchestra set a wonderful musical backdrop for this fairytale.The setting and staging, by Robert Carson and Michael Levine, are non-traditional but work extremely well for this opera. Dvorak's 'Rusalka' is often forgotten in the operatic circles but this is absolutely unjustified. This production showcases Dvorak's mastery as a text-setter and his comfortable use of leitmotifs. This is a DVD that is not to be missed. A perennial favourite at L'Atelier Grigorian!

Price: $37.98