Don Pasquale is in my top 4 Donizettis, alongside Lucia, La Fille Du Regiment and L'Elisir D'Amore. And this is a very good production, though not my first choice(the 1955 performance with Tajo and Bruscantini). It is very handsomely designed and staged, with many arias and ensembles having the wit and charm they should do. The Servants' Chorus was a tad disappointing, well sung but lacking fizz for some reason. The video directing on the VHS does justice to the charming house and magnificent villa sets, and while slightly grainy at times the picture quality is good. The sound captures the singing wonderfully, but while stylishly and beautifully played the orchestra do sound distant sometimes. The performances are great. Lillian Watson is a sparkling Norina with a bright sound and a charming and shrewish personality. Ryland Davies is a good Ernesto, not all the top notes are completely secure but most do have ring and the legato lines he does are envious. Russell Smythe is a scheming and sonorous Malatesta with enough agility for his runs and pattering. But the main attraction is the Pasquale of Geraint Evans, the voice is beautifully rounded and it is an incredibly characterful performance with his unmistakable facial expressions and walk. In conclusion, fun and well sung with Evans up there with Tajo as one of the finer accounts of the title role of the twentieth century. 8/10 Bethany Cox
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