Further Details

Title: Teatro Alla Scala Vol. 2
Format: DVD
Condition: New
Number Of Discs: 1
Release Date: 09/25/2015
Actors: Various, Giuletta Simionato, Riccardo Muti, Luciana Savignano, Giorgio Strehler, Renata Tebaldi
Director: Accas Film
Audio Language: Italian
Runtime: 1 hour and 21 minutes
Region Code: DVD: 2 (Europe, Japan, Middle East...)
Studio: Dynamic
Subtitle Language: Italian
Certificate: BBFC E
Description: PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Documentary which takes a behind the scenes look at the Teatro alla Scala productions of the 1981/1982 season featuring rehearsal footage and interviews by journalist Enzo Biagi with conductors, directors and singers.

REVIEW
As with the first volume of this series (review), the contents are derived from the films the music journalist Enzo Biagi (1920-2007), one of Italy's most famous, made for TV. With his ready and long-established access to La Scala coupled with a personable manner he was able to draw out from his interviewees information and even a few indiscretions. The result was a series of films for RAI television which featured production extracts and artist interviews all from that golden era of the 1980s. These are produced in the volumes of this series, all re-mastered from the original Accasfilms. This second volume starts with film of La Scala's budding ballet-dancers as they are put through exercises preparing for their arduous life ahead. Biagi meets Luciana Savignano, one of the greats who trained at La Scala and the Bolshoi. He became prima ballerina in 1973 and later worked as a choreographer. This is followed by renowned conductor Riccardo Muti in rehearsal of Mozart's evergreen Figaro. He is seen working with Giorgio Strehler who also appeared in Volume 1 of the series . It has to be said that listening to one talking about the other is like a mutual admiration society. Perhaps most interesting is the extended interview with diva Renata Tebaldi who made her debut as a twenty-four year old. She was a favourite of Toscanini on his return to La Scala after World War 2. In a gentle manner Biagi probes and Tebaldi responds with sincerity talking about her experiences. She also speaks of her perfectionist character that left her often feeling unfulfilled. Perhaps more germane to opera-lovers she is very open about her relationship with Maria Callas as well as Von Karajan and Toscanini. The film ends with the second part of the interview with the great mezzo Giulietta Simionato, the first part being in volume 1. She is relaxed and reminisces widely in an easy and charming manner. --MusicWeb, Dec'15

DVDs ARE REGION 2 UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED

Playback Region 2 :This will not play on most DVD players sold in the U.S., U.S. Territories, Canada, and Bermuda. You will require a multi-region DVD player and a PAL compatible TV to view.

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