CD-Charts Position 1
Average Rating:

Tchaikovsky - Eugene Onegin / Fleming, Vargas, Hvorostovsky, Gergiev, Carsen [Metropolitan Opera 2007]

starring: Renee Fleming, Ramon Vargas, Dmitri Hvorostovsky, Valery Gergiev, Jean-Paul Fouchecourt
directed by: Brian Large, Robert Carsen

Release Date December 18, 2007
I dare to say that this production was the MET last year major achievement. Even though a stupendous singers set was gathered for this performance it did not necessarily guarantee it's amazing success. This dreamed cast is formed by three of the most talented singers of our time: Dmitri Hvorostovsky, Renée Flemming and Ramón Vargas.

The staging is minimalist however absolutely accurate and tasty. By adding different intelligent elements the drama flows both naturally and flawlessly, in other words impeccable. The Russian Maestro Valery Gergiev conducted the MET orchestra with full commitment and passion.
The Siberian baritone Dmitri Hvorsotovsky is enormous as Onegin completely understanding the character and making it ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 2
Average Rating:

Poulenc - Dialogues des Carmelites

starring: Dagmar Schellenberger, Laura Aiken, Anja Silja, Barbara Dever, Riccardo Muti
directed by: Robert Carsen

Release Date August 28, 2007
After the last guillotine comes down, there is silence... What else can be said, sung or shown? The last scene is a work of art by itself.
The music and the human emotions go hand in hand in this opera. Poulenc did an incredible job of portraying real human emotions and devotion into words and music. A 20th century opera that doesn't sound or look like one.
The music flows easy, the words fit the music (a la Debussy) and the emotions and psychology of the characters are there for everyone to see and hear.
I strongly recommended it in particular to those who are looking to add somehting different to the repertoire of traditional operas.

CD-Charts Position 3
Average Rating:

Verdi - Il Trovatore

starring: Carl Tanner, Iano Tamar, Zeljko Lucic, Marianne Cornetti, Giovanni Parodi
directed by: Robert Carsen

Release Date September 25, 2007
After reading Scott Morrison's very detailed review I was somewhat skeptical about purchasing this work. I trust Mr. Morrison's opinions and always check to see what he has written before making any purchase. However, in this instance I must beg to differ with the impression that his review creates. I have owned for some time the Opus Arte Royal Opera House Covent Garden version of the same opera which has, as expected, several very big name opera stars and a fine orchestra. This is very different from the Bregenz Festspiele version where the only person who might be known is the stage director Robert Carsen. As `Opera' the Covent Garden version rates (IMHO) 4 stars; but in terms of `Entertainment' the work would struggle to get 2 or 3 stars. This newest ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 4
Average Rating:

Strauss - Der Rosenkavalier

starring: Adrianne Pieczonka, Angelika Kirchschlager, Miah Persson, Franz Hawlata, Franz Grundheber
directed by: Robert Carsen

Release Date October 31, 2006
It's a vivid recording; the next best thing to live. Robert Carson, the stage director, and Peter Pabst, the set and costume designer, fumble Act II and really push the envelope in Act III. I know we buy opera on DVD to see as much as to hear, but the conductor, orchestra, and singers are all so good that I have to recommend it, despite its drawbacks. Given what European opera companies have been getting away with for well over two decades, this updating (to the Weimar Republic) actually isn't that bad relative to some of the atrocities I've seen.

The cast is terrific. Adrianne Pieczonka, as Princess Werdenberg, has a rich, clear, sonorous voice that brims with pathos and longing (she gave me goosebumps). Indeed, the whole cast soars. Even the ... Read More: