CD-Charts Position 1
Average Rating:

Rossini - Il Barbiere Di Siviglia (The Barber of Seville)

starring: Juan Diego Florez, Ruggero Raimondi, Maria Bayo, Pietro Spagnoli, Bruno Pratico
directed by: Emilio Sagi

Release Date November 15, 2005
A very imaginative version of the opera. It is well done and the contrast between the black and white scenes and the use of color towards the end were remarkable. It holds the viewers attention with singers who can also act. I viewed it with my 11 year old granddaughter and she was never bored and asked questions which made it evident she was captivated by the story. I recommend it for all ages.

CD-Charts Position 2
Average Rating:

Donizetti - La Fille du Régiment

starring: Patrizia Ciofi, Juan Diego Florez, Nicola Ulivieri, Francesco Franci, Orchestra del Teatro Carlo Felice
directed by: Riccardo Frizza, Emilio Sagi

Release Date October 10, 2006
Juan Diego Florez is reason enough to give this recording a 5 star rating! However, the entire production is a major delight and one you will want to hear over and over again. And then I keep recalling "Mes Amis"--vocal pyrotechnics of the highest order...Hmmmm--I think I will go now to play it yet again!

CD-Charts Position 3
Average Rating:

Moreno Torroba - Luisa Fernanda (Teatro Real Madrid)

starring: Placido Domingo, Nancy Herrera, Jose Bros, Mariola Cantarero, Jesus Lopez Cobos
directed by: Emilio Sagi

Release Date April 24, 2007
I can absolutely recommend this DVD, I have watched this zarzuela over and over again. The very simple staging - everything is black and white - takes a little getting used to, but other than that it's beautiful. Great singers! and if you like Placido Domingo, it's a must - as ever: he's still dashing and charming and makes you suffer, when he doesn't get the girl. I wish there were more zarzuelas with this kind of casting on DVD.