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Reviews
Song of Norway (1970)
BEAUTIFUL FILM WHICH NEEDS EDITING
I loved this film when I first saw it in London in the 1970s. And after recently viewing the blu ray dvd I still love it in spite of its obvious flaws.
I really enjoyed Frank Poretta's performance as Richard Nordraak in the first half of the film. He brought a liveliness to the film which is sadly missed in the last part of it, plus he had an absolutely magnificent tenor voice which was heard to very good effect in several of the arias accompanying Grieg's music which included the title music in the memorable 'midnight sun' excerpt . I wish he had made more films as he had an extraordinary film presence.
Florence Henderson was also a charming screen presence as Grieg's wife Nina. But her gifts were passed over for the last 45 minutes of the film, which may have saved it, since a very much missed Mr. Poretta was out of the action by that time.
This was the main problem - the last part of the film was such a tremendous *downer*. Grieg, visiting Rome to visit Franz Liszt, neglected his friend and wife, instead of which he concentrated his energies on 'the other woman' the charming Christina Schollin. Her presence at this time in the film only made poor Grieg's problems with his conscience that much worse - ie Nordraak dying in Berlin and Nina on her own in Oslo in their freezing home.
If the film had ended before Nordraak's death and with Grieg at the beginning of his success as a musician I think it would have improved it. I would have cut the last part and wound it up with a happy ending with Grieg about to visit Liszt.
After all, we are not subjected to the misery of the von Trapp family singers after they left Austria (for example - if they had crossed over the mountains as portrayed they would have ended up in Germany).
A bit of poetic licence would have improved this lovely film with its gallant performances and magnificent scenery.
Tosca (1984)
The Best Tosca
I have seen many performances of 'Tosca' in my time, but none to equal this one. It is superb, with wonderful singing from all who took part in the production. Eva Marton is a glamorous and convincing Tosca - her 'Vissi d'arte' is magnificent, emotionally moving and beautifully performed. Giacomo Aragall was probably the best Cavaradossi of the latter half of the twentieth century. His singing is sublime and his acting is exceptional. He brings to life the young painter, and looks good in the role as well as portraying the ardent young lover in a thoroughly convincing way. His 'E Lucevan le stelle' is heart breaking and is the best performance I have ever seen of this aria. Ingvar Wixell is a very satisfying Scarpia - no half measures here, he is pure evil from start to finish and sings the role with emotional relish. The rest of the cast are extremely convincing, and we are even treated to the spectacle of some live sheep on the stage at the beginning of Act Three. The lighting is excellent, and the sets and costumes live up to the extremely high standard of this production.
Stylishly and beautifully performed at the Arena Di Verona this should please all but the most jaded opera lover. A most highly recommended performance.