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

Of the many many videos of opera my wife and I have seen over the years--DVD, VHS and yes Beta--this was the most poorly produced. No set but a table and chairs and a scrim at the rear that changed from blue with a crescent moon to a light orange. Night and day--get it? Adequate for a low budget off-broadway Chekhov but shameful for grand opera. Most disappointing of all particularly in light of the distinguished singers and conductor was the uneven sometimes faint and hollow sound--perhaps a result of the huge empty stage or sound engineers asleep at the switch. I have difficulty believing Brian Large was in charge of video. I cannot account for the over-the-top reviews except that several may have found it a souvenir of a happy experience at the opera house or movie theater. Note that this review does not reflect what happened in the second disc, since my wife and I closed it down after the first. I hate writing such a strong negative review, but we felt cheated. Money better spent? Netrebko in I Puritani, Juan Diego Florez in La Fille du Regiment, and he again in il Barbiere di Siviglia--just the most recent. There they cared about production. They are wonderful.

This is a stellar performance by a superb cast and conducted expertly by Valery Gergiev. Hvorostovsky and Fleming are ideal as Onegin and Tatiana The stark set, indeed a "non-set", is at first disappointing, but does succeed in focusing attention on the human drama instead of toward lavish production elements. Color is used very effectively to saturate each scene and outline the singers. This production no doubt benefited from the close scrutiny of the camera because the performances were finely tuned and sublty nuanced. As an example, the usual "dance spectacle" accompanying the Polonaise which opens Act III is replaced here by Onegin attended to by his valet staff while changing from dueling attire to formal dress. Although I enjoy a lavish production as much as anyone, it was refreshing to experience a concept which focuses primarily on the protagonists. This would not work with less than world-class principals.

This is by far the best rendition of "Eugene Onegin" that has ever been issued on DVD.
The production by Robert Carson is stunning, even without a lot of scenery. Carson's staging is interesting and imaginative; the lighting is very good, as well. This notwithstanding, the portrayal of the protagonists is outstanding - foremost the Onegin by Dmitri Hvorostovsky, followed by Renee Fleming as Tatiana and Ramon Vargas as Lensky. Chor and Orchestra of the Metropolitan Opera under Valery Giergev are at their best.
This DVD is a must - highly recommended.

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 his own. Needless to say he is at his best here, both vocally and dramatically; I don't see anyone at this moment to be a match for him in this roll.
Renée Flemming is tremendous as Tatiana, she is simply perfect. Her acquaintance with Hvorostovsky is impressing.
Ramón Vargas as Lensky is memorable, precise and passionate confirming his position as one of the more reliable tenors of his generation. His "Kuda, kuda" was performed effortlessly with real suffering and pain.
Elena Zaremba portrays a charming Olga with no less intelligence and knowledge of her role.
The secondary roles are covered more than efficiently.

Needless to say, that this is truly a "must have" for every opera fan and especially for Mexican Opera Fans, not only for the price, but for the achievement.

Robert Carsen's production is lovely with a successful blend of conservative and new ideas. I know this opera for years, and have quite a few recordings of it. But never before did its closing scene move me, as in this performance. This is mostly because of the singing and acting intensity of Hvorostovsky and Fleming.

Highly recommended.