Opera Manon, from Berlin
International superstar singers Anna Netrebko and Rolando Villazón show us their outstanding performances in the opera, Manon by Jules Massenet. Netrebko displays her excellent abilities as a singer and actress in portraying innocence, lust, greed and, above all, beauty. It is Netrebko’s amazing performance which makes Villazón’s youthful passion and ultimate despair even more authentic and heart-breaking.
The setting in this Berlin production has been updated to the 1950’s and the entire opera takes place as if Manon were the star of her own film. Indeed, Netrebko transforms her character from the innocence of Audrey Hepburn through the voluptuousness of Marilyn Monroe into the tragedy of Ingrid Bergman.
The work of director Vincent Paterson is especially effective in creating a passionate and ultimately tragic performance with stunning visual effects. Netrebko and Villazón are supported by conductor Daniel Barenboim who leads the Staatskapelle Berlin in a wonderful performance.
The result is that Anna Netrebko has added Manon to a list of amazing roles she has created on stage. Her coloratura is as beautiful as she is in a range of gorgeous period gowns. At one point she is pole dancing in a gold lame gown while singing beautifully.
This DVD was issued September 23, 2008
Here is Flower duet from the Opera Lakmé by Leo Delibes, with Anna Netrebko and Elina Garanca:
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Tags: Anna Netrebko, Rolando Villazón, Manon, Jules Massenet, Berlin, Staatskapelle Berlin, Barenboim