CD-Charts Position 1
Average Rating:

Jules Massenet - Manon / Dessay, Villazon, Ramey, Lanza, Henry, Perez, McVicar (Gran Teatre del Liceu 2007)

starring: Natalie Dessay, Rolando Villazon, Samuel Ramey, Manuel Lanza, Victor Pabro Pérez
directed by: David McVicar, François Roussillon

Release Date January 15, 2008
It is an excellent presentation of Massenet's opera Manon. Of course, the dream cast of Natalie Dessay and Rolando Villazon contributes enormously to the enjoyment of this DVD. The production is first-class and depicts the life of these women, who are paid for by wealthy suiters, more realistically than in any other production.
Highly recommended.

CD-Charts Position 2
Average Rating:

Mozart - Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute) / Keenlyside, Roschmann, Hartmann, Damrau, Selig, Allen, Sir Colin Davis, Covent Garden

starring: Mozart, Simon Keenlyside, Dorothea Roschmann, Diana Damrau, Thomas Allen
directed by: Sir Colin Davis, David McVicar

Release Date September 23, 2003
Sir Colin Davis has done it again! The genius has made another beautiful interpretation of the one of Mozart's final pieces. I may be biased since Die Zauberflote is my favorite opera, but this is a fantastic performance! The cast is magnificent, especially Diana Damaru as the Queen of the Night (my reason for the purchase). However Tamino and Pamina both give memorable performances. Papageno, however sticks out as one of the most memorable performances. He gives both humor and drama where needed, and has perfect control over all of his movements and voice.

Both the set and lighting design are stunning. The cinematography is tasteful, in that you see the production as both a movie and a staged opera (or Singspiel). I have no complaints ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 3
Average Rating:

Handel - Giulio Cesare (Glyndebourne Opera Festival 2006)

starring: William Christie, Sarah Connolly, Angelika Kirchschlager, Danielle De Niese, Christophe Dumaux
directed by: David McVicar, Robin Lough

Release Date May 16, 2006
Hardly the jejune form of opera that Gluck railed against. Much of the energy for this staging emanates from Danielle De Niese, who surely could charm a eunuch, in the role of Cleopatra. John McVickers is to be praised for this production; Christie also -- as usual.

CD-Charts Position 4
Average Rating:

Mozart - Die Zauberflote (The Magic Flute) [HD DVD]

starring: Simon Keenlyside, Dorothea Roschmann, Diana Damrau, Thomas Allen, Franz-Josef Selig
directed by: Sir Colin Davis, David McVicar

Release Date October 30, 2007
Sir Colin Davis has done it again! The genius has made another beautiful interpretation of the one of Mozart's final pieces. The cast is magnificent, especially Diana Damaru as the Queen of the Night (my reason for the purchase). Both the set and lighting design are stunning. The cinematography is tasteful, in that you see the production as both a movie and a staged opera (or Singspiel). I have no complaints at all about this dvd!

Excellent work!!!

CD-Charts Position 5
Average Rating:

Verdi Box Set: Falstaff, Rigoletto, Il Trovatore

starring: Marcelo Alvarez, Dmitri Hvorostovsky, Bryn Terfel, Jose Cura, Christine Schafer
directed by: David McVicar

Release Date June 26, 2007
Sir Colin Davis has done it again! The genius has made another beautiful interpretation of the one of Mozart's final pieces. The cast is magnificent, especially Diana Damaru as the Queen of the Night (my reason for the purchase). Both the set and lighting design are stunning. The cinematography is tasteful, in that you see the production as both a movie and a staged opera (or Singspiel). I have no complaints at all about this dvd!

Excellent work!!!