Toshiba RD XS25 - DVD recorder / HDD recorder

June 25, 2008 | By Doug In DVD Recorders |

Toshiba RD XS25 - DVD recorder / HDD recorder

Viva Vivaldi! is a concert by the Italian mezzo-soprano Cecilia Bartoli interspersing arias from the 20 surviving operas of Vivaldi with two concertos. Given with the early music ensemble Il Giardino Armonico before a very appreciative audience in the Th??tre des Champs-?lys?es, the performance is part of Bartoli’s exploration of the Venetian composer’s opera music which also includes The Vivaldi Album. That said there is very little overlap between the studio-recorded CD and this 105-minute concert. Anyone thinking of Vivaldi’s vocal music in the context of his uplifting scared works may get a shock, for Bartoli performs as if her life depended upon it, attacking pieces such as “Armatae Face et Anguibus” from Juditha Triumphans with vengeful gusto. Indeed, there is a startling dynamic energy, which contrasts powerfully with the more restrained interpretations by singers such as Emma Kirkby. Bartoli’s natural Italian and the live atmosphere of Maria Grazia d’Alessio’s oboe gives her interpretation of the quietly haunting and melodically rich “Non ti Lusinghi la Crudeltade” from Tito Manlio a particular piquancy. The Flautino Concerto is a most attractive interlude, while the more famous Lute/Violin Concerto beguiles with its exquisite lyricism. One Vivaldi opera not represented, Orlando Furioso, is available in a complete performance from 1989.

On the DVD: The anamorphically enhanced 1.77:1 image is well above average for a concert video with good detail, definition and colour, and compression artefacting only noticeable on rare completely static shots. There are three sound options: DTS, Dolby Digital 5.1 and PCM stereo. The surround options are certainly all enveloping, though there is a certain gimmickry in placing the flutes in the rear channels which is attractive with the eyes closed but is decidedly unrepresentative of what is happening on screen. In these modes Bartoli’s voice is curiously unfocused. The stereo alternative is clearly locked to the screen, with much of the information actually directed to the centre speaker. This is less expansive but has a natural clarity that will appeal to those who want a more accurate reproduction of the event. There are multiple language subtitles, including English, though the only special feature is the option to have the musical score superimposed over the concert. While a fine idea in principle the execution leaves everything to be desired: the score is presented on a translucent white backdrop, through which the musicians can be seen as pale, bleached-out ghostly figures. Unfortunately the overlaying of the two images results in such an irritating flicker that the screen is barely watchable. –Gary S Dalkin
List Price: ?19.99
Amazon Price: ?19.99
Used Price: ?14.97
Customer Review: Veni, vidi, I fell in love
Well well! What a voice - and what a girl. This DVD is worth every penny - except that it will have you reaching for the catalogues to get your surround sound system upgraded. Not only is the quality excellent, the selection of material is wonderful and shows off Cecilia’s talent. But what I enjoy most about this DVD is the fact that she seems to be enjoying herself so much. It draws you into the performance.
Customer Review: Reference quality performance
This disc, presented in DD5.1 and DTS, presents a concert recorded live by people that care about the way a concert should be portrayed. The 18 arias and concerto contained in it are performed by one of the best mezzo-sopranos, and some of the best musicians, we are lucky enough to have in our time. The direction catches the emotion that Cecilia Bartoli puts into this mesmeric performance. As usual with Arthaus, the bit rate never drops below 10, ensuring a crystal clear picture. The addition of “Score Plus”, an innovation that puts the score on the screen as a subtitle, is a great step forward for DVD. A reference quality disc.
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