Rate Points :4.5
Binding :DVD
Label :Philips
Manufacturer :Philips
MPN :000221309
ProductGroup :DVD
Studio :Philips
Publisher :Philips
UPC :044007419496
EAN :0044007419496
Price :$29.98USD
Lowest Price :$18.11USD
Customer ReviewsA spotless performance of a superior opera
Rating Point :5 Helpful Point :18
Before this recording came out, I had heard about this opera. Its story seemed very capable of providing great musical moments. When I saw this dvd at my local store, I knew I was going to buy it. I bought it, and I definitely dont regret my decision.
Regarding the recording itself, all I have to say about it is that it is of great quality. The image is crisp, the DTS 5.1 sound perfect. The singing was top notch (and thats an euphemism). I personally didnt find Loskutova too old for her role. Aside from a few moments in the second act, she looked the part quite well (her mad scene was also quite convincing). The one singing Andre, however, couldve demonstrated a little bit more passion. The staging is realistic, complex, and captivates the eye as youd expect a kirov production.
This opera was composed a little after Tchaikovskys major operatic masterpiece "Eugene Onegin". You can easily recognize at some points the similarities between both works, even though they treat very different subjects (Eugene Onegin is very intimistic, whereas Mazeppa is a dramatic "grand opera", like Meyerbeers "Les Huguenots"). One little gripe I have about this work of art is that since it lasts quite longer than Eugene (almost 3 hours), you dont always find the sweeping melodies that make Tchaikovskys music what it is in some scenes. The first act, quite frankly, lacked vitality at some points. However, from the start of act 2 to the end of the opera, it just gets better and better. Kochubey and Iskras last prayer before the execution at the end of the second act was so moving that I couldnt help crying (and I need to be moved big time to actually cry at such things). If you believe in God (and even if you dont), youre bound to react to it just like me. This duet is definitely something worthy of the composer of the "Pathtique" symphony, and a good enough reason to buy this dvd (as is the gripping third act).
To make a long story short, get this opera. Unless youre on the brink of bankruptcy or truly hate Tchaikovsky and russian opera, get it. You have no other excuse for not buying it!!!
A Restored Gem!
Rating Point :5 Helpful Point :3
Mazeppa is truly a great find. It is yet another restored Russian gem given new brilliance by conductor Valery Gergiev and the Kirov. I had only been familiar with Tchaikovskys "Eugene Onegin" and "Queen of Spades" in various productions and came to cherish each as great opera. The only other of his operas I had seen was "Maid of Orleans" which was not as sucessful as the others. So I thought Mazzeppa would be another "ho-hum" of historical interest and no more. What a surprise! This is a majestic epic of the wild times in Russian history and the legendary hero of Ukrainian history. It is full of drama, blood and thunder that would be found in the later Prince Igor, Boris and Khovanshchina. The orchestration of Mazeppa is grand and lush as youd expect from the master symphonist, the characters are well drawn and develop. There is even a "mad scene" a la Donizetti-Bellini Italian school. This is a true gem with wonderful music for the ear and grand drama for the eye.
A HIDDEN GEM
Rating Point :5 Helpful Point :17
MAZEPPA by Pyotr ILyich Tchaikovsky now out on DVD is a real find and treat. This 1996 performance by the Kirov Opera at the Marinsky Theater is a near perfect production in the traditional mode. The singing is excellent and the score begs for more then one hearing. I watched it twice the same day when my DVD copy arrived in the mail. Ive also already purchased my ticket to see the Metropolitan Opera production of this seldom performed work during its 2005-06 season. Conductor Valery Gergiev once again proves his command of Russian opera and he keeps the proceedings moving swiftly without a baton in his hand. His orchestra is first rate! Of the singers, I would single out Larissa Diadkova as Lybov, the wife and Nokolai Putilin as Mazeppa. With colorful costumes, a first rate dance scene in act one and fantastic sound by the engineers of EuroArts, you cant go wrong buying this DVD. I could have done without the Marinsky Marching Band that opens the last act, but I quibble. You will fall in love with this music at first hearing. Move over PIQUE DAME, BORIS and EUGENE. Here comes MAZEPPA !! BUY THIS ONE!
Mazeppa by Tchaikovsky
Rating Point :4 Helpful Point :1
I was quite surprised by the interest I had while watching Mazeppa. I have read in many reviews that Mazeppa was a lesser Tchaikovsky opera. I certainly enjoyed it and without going into all kinds of detail, I would recommend to all of this composers fans that they buy Mazeppa and see (and hear) for themselves how good it really is. The sound and colors, clarity, etc. are all first rate.
Excellent production of rare gem!
Rating Point :4 Helpful Point :5
This Kirov production from 1996 is aces all the way. The production itself is just outstanding- perhaps the best of any opera on dvd. The large staging, gigantic Russian choruses (always a plus), superb costumes, and incredible orchestra, make this a pure visual treat. And the filming (by Brian Large) is perfect with INCREDIBLE SOUND! The singers, especially Nikolai Putilin as Mazeppa, are excellent.
The opera is the dramatic story of the elder Hetman (chieftain) Mazeppa seeking to marry his friends very young daughter (with her consent- she loves him) to which his friend vigorously protests. The friend then betrays Mazeppa to Tsar Peter (offstage) which backfires into his being jailed and turned over to Mazeppa for torture and execution (unknown to the daughter). When her mother informs her of her fathers impending execution by Mazeppa, they try to stop the execution (also offstage, thankfully) but arrive too late (in a very dramatic scene). She faints, goes mad, and the opera ends in an extended mad scene for her (very common in 19th century opera). Although this summary doesnt really do it justice, the opera is quite dramatic and emotional.
It is the music that gives me a slight hesitation, and only 4 stars. I love Tchaikovsky, and his Russian sturm und drang music, but this isnt nearly as tuneful as "Eugene Onegin"- but more dramatic, and better theater. So you takes your choice.
One final word, and aside about the subtitles- a pet peeve of mine. This production makes EXCELLENT use of subtitles as I will detail below, MUCH better than most opera dvds on the market. Here, they get several things right: 1) good English and not idiosyncratic (no modern expressions or slang) 2) proper spelling (you wouldnt believe the bad spelling on other dvds) 3) subtitle right in line with the sung text- not too early or late. So, this is a big plus.
I strongly recommend this dvd as a great production of a fine dramatic Russian opera. It will bear many re-playings.
Similar ItemRimsky-Korsakov - Sadko / Vladimir Galouzine, Gegam Grigorian, Sergei Alexashkin, Larissa Diadkova, Nikolai Putilin, Valery Gergiev, Kirov Opera Tchaikovsky - The Maid of Orleans / Rautio, Kulko, Gavrilowa, Gluboky, Krutikov, Mikhajlov, Mishenkin, Nikolsky, Pochapsky, Redkin, Lazarev, Bolshoi Opera Mussorgsky - Boris Godunov Tchaikovsky - Eugene Onegin / Fleming, Vargas, Hvorostovsky, Gergiev, Carsen [Metropolitan Opera 2007] 
DescriptionRene Fleming and Dmitri Hvorostovsky triumph in Tchaikovskys operatic masterpiece Eugene Onegin, filmed live at the Metropolitan Opera. Their onstage chemistry, emotional singing and outstanding acting make this a very special production. Glinka - Ruslan and Lyudmila
DescriptionRene Fleming and Dmitri Hvorostovsky triumph in Tchaikovskys operatic masterpiece Eugene Onegin, filmed live at the Metropolitan Opera. Their onstage chemistry, emotional singing and outstanding acting make this a very special production. 
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