Turandot

A new complete opera for Bocelli’s ardent fans, complete with the biggest tenor aria of all time: Nessun Dorma. In this new and much-anticipated complete opera recording from Andrea Bocelli, the tenor assembles a fine cast to explore Puccini’s last opera, including American soprano Jennifer Wilson as Turandot. Taking the lead role of Calaf – the unknown prince - Bocelli’s powerful tenor tells a compelling story of riddles answered, triumph secured, honor displayed, and love deeply felt.

In its 88th year, the prestigious Verona Arena Festival honoured the legendary Italian stage director Franco Zeffirelli. Zeffirelli delivered an opulent staging af the fairy-tale story of the Chinese Princess Turandot, who will only marry a prince capable of solving her riddles. The Russian soprano Maria Guleghina proved a brilliant Turandot, whilst tenor Salvatore Licitra’s trump card is his imposingly radiant voice of which he remains in sovereign control even in the role’s muchfeared tessitura. The soprano Tamar Iveri is a beautiful and sensitive Liù. The Orchestra and Chorus of the Verona Arena are conducted by Maestro Giuliano Carella.

This is an excellent production of Turandot from Valencia, Spain and stands second to the 1988 Met version with Marton, Domingo, and Mitchell which is my all time favorite! Maria acts and sings the title role beautifully along with Berti who pretty much just stands and sings but has a pleasing voice. The singer that portrays Liu is fine but not up to Mitchell's version at the Met. The sets and costumes are terrific. However, to me, the best was the chorus and orchestra, led by one of my favorite conductors, Zubin Mehta. Truly outstanding beautiful sound! If you love this opera you really must have this DVD as it may be awhile before the Met issues this season's production on DVD. I recommend it as a beautifully performed Turandot!
By operamarty

The charming story of Chinese princess Turandot who will only marry a suitor who can solve her riddles is presented in this adaptation of the opera by Giacomo Puccini.; Critically acclaimed filmmaker Chen Kaige directs this performance. The authenticity of this production is incredible, with its superb costumes and sets, all of which were designed in China.; Zubin Mehta conducts the Orquestra de la Comunitat Valenciana, and Maria Guleghina is a remarkable Turandot. The performance offers “genuine fireworks of sound.” (Wiener Zeitung)

At the heart of the action is a murderous guessing game: the Chinese Princess Turandot poses three puzzles to all applicants who stop for their hand. Who can not solve this, is made shorter by a head. Many noble candidates have already tried - and just as many have not survived. Even Prince Kalaf has fallen for the magic Turandots and faces the life-threatening task. But this time the cruel game takes a surprising turn and love triumphs.
The TURANDOT staging on this UHD Blu-ray was recorded in the amphitheater of Torre del Lago. The main characters are Rudy Park, Rebecca Lokar and Francesca Capelletti. Conductor of the orchestra is Jacopo Sipari di Pescasseroli.

The legendary Franco Corelli, world-renowned for his portrayal of Calaf, here stars in a magical RAI television production of what many consider to be Puccini’s crowning achievement. Under the creative direction of Mario Lanfranchi, this Turandot resonates with elements of Kabuki. Corelli, at the peak of his vocal powers, finds his match in the fiery Turandot of Lucille Udovich. Among her many credits, Udovich sang opposite Corelli in the noted 1954 revival of Spontini’s Agnes di Hohenstaufen at the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino; she also sang the role of of Elettra in the 1956 EMI studio recording of Mozart’s Idomeneo, under the direction of Sir John Pritchard.