Equus (Penguin Plays)

Equus (Penguin Plays)

Product Description

This volume is part of a series of novels, plays and stories intended for use at A Level. The complete, original text is accompanied by an introduction, activities for before, during and after study, as well as notes. Teenager Alan Strang, fought over by a religious mother and an atheist father, finds release in horses. But something drives him to blind the horses with a spike. While treating the boy, a psychiatrist discovers his own life is paradoxically in the witness box. This savage, passionate play pinpoints the modern human spiritual quest.
Rate Points :4.5
Binding :Paperback
Label :Penguin (Non-Classics)
Manufacturer :Penguin (Non-Classics)
ProductGroup :Book
Studio :Penguin (Non-Classics)
Publisher :Penguin (Non-Classics)
EAN :9780140260700
Price :$11.00USD
Lowest Price :$3.00USD
Customer ReviewsSimply Profound
Rating Point :5 Helpful Point :2
Truth be told, I got interested in the play because of Dan Radcliffe. Initially, the plot descriptions I had read didnt interest me that much. However, curiousity prevailed, and I am so grateful that I bought it.

It is an extremely thought provoking drama detailing the story of a therapist and his patient. Under close scrutiny, it brings to light the darker and more mysterious aspects of the human psyche, ethics, and the effects that parents could possibly have on their children.

I have only had the play for two weeks, and I have read it many times over. It is easy to read, yet the mental images it gives to the reader are astounding. I thoroughly recommend this book for ANYONE who enjoys theatre, particularly drama that has more beyond its surface. This is a play that will stand up with the best of of them. From "The Glass Menagerie" by Tennessee Williams to "Tartuffe" by Jean Baptiste Moliere, this is a play worth reading and performing over and over again.

An interesting read
Rating Point :5 Helpful Point :1
This play first came to my attention when I received information about Daniel Radcliffe starring in it this spring in London. I decided to read the play when I found that the summary appealed to me. I was not disappointed with my choice- it is really quite intriguing trying to understand Alans crime, and then later to find it is really about the psychiatrists internal conflict between right and wrong.

Wonderfully Imaginitive
Rating Point :5 Helpful Point :2
This amazing play weaves an incredibly in-depth psyhchological mystery from a very minimalist set. The characters seem to jump from the book directly to your imagination. Its a great story thats hard to put down.

fast shipping
Rating Point :5 Helpful Point :0
I got this book for school, it was shipped really fast and the price was excellent.

v thought-provoking
Rating Point :4 Helpful Point :0
truth be told i only read this because i heard the harry potter kid is/was doing the play in london.

wish i couldve read it as part of a book club or class..

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Rambo [Blu-ray]

Rambo Blu-ray

Product Description

Studio: Lions Gate Home Ent. Release Date: 05/27/2008 Run time: 93 minutes Rating: R

Amazon.com

If youve been wondering what ever happened to exGreen Beret superwarrior John Rambo since he singlehandedly shot up a Pacific Northwest town (First Blood, 1982), returned to the jungles of Nam to free U.S. POWs held long after wars end (Rambo: First Blood Part II, 1985), and interrupted the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan long enough to blow lots of stuff up and rescue his old commandant from the Reds (Rambo III, 1988), then Rambo (2008) is for you. Without so much as a IV to dilute the brand name, Rambo--which is what most of us called the second, most iconic film in the series--may aspire to open a new era for a pop legend. But its a thoroughly mechanical attempt to reanimate a franchise that, absent the anger, frustration, and self-loathing of the post-Vietnam years, has no meaning or purpose. For some time now Rambo (Sylvester Stallone) has been putt-putting along the Thai-Burmese border in a longboat, catching exotic snakes to sell. As for the 60-year civil war in Burma between the brutal government and the Karen independence movement, he ignores it. Enter a party of American missionaries whose dewy blond spokeswoman (Dexters Julie Benz) asks Rambo to haul them upriver so that they can bring medical aid to the insurgents. After the requisite number of monosyllabic refusals, he does. Soon afterward the do-gooders are in a world of hurt, and hes summoned to lead a squad of mercenaries on a rescue mission.

As storytelling, the latest Rambo is the most bare-bones of the bunch. Rambo has little to say, so its especially galling that Stallone, as director and co-writer, obliges him to have essentially the same conversation at three different points (the final distillation: "Live for nothing or die for something"). The Burmese army goons seem in competition to commit the most hideous atrocity (e.g., child skull-crushing underfoot), the better to justify the eventual, lovingly protracted spectacle of them being eviscerated by high-powered weaponry. Although shot in Thailand, the movie has mostly been photographed in brown, reducing any particular sense of place but, perhaps, perversely increasing our gratitude for the splashes of purple whenever hot metal tatters flesh. --Richard T. Jameson

Beyond Rambo

Complete list of Rambo movies on DVD and Blu-ray

Soundtrack

Rambo: The Complete Collectors Set

Stills from Rambo (click for larger image)

Rate Points :4.0
Binding :Blu-ray
Brand :Lions Gate
Label :Lionsgate Home Entertainment
Manufacturer :Lionsgate Home Entertainment
MPN :LGEBR23299
ProductGroup :DVD
Studio :Lionsgate Home Entertainment
Publisher :Lionsgate Home Entertainment
UPC :031398232995
EAN :0031398232995
Price :$39.99USD
Lowest Price :$16.13USD
Customer ReviewsExtreme gore with a serious political point
Rating Point :4 Helpful Point :1
I was shocked by how much I appreciated this movie. Yes, it is extremely, but not excessively gory. The blu-ray version makes the violence even more real. The point of the violence is to show what people in Burma face every day - this isnt overblown, this is a fictional story of real everyday occurrences. The supplements in the film point out that the Burma military government is afraid of the movie and will kill or imprison for life anyone who sells the film in Burma, or will imprison anyone for 10 years who watches the film. They also point out that 1/2 of their national budget is used for weapons - and those weapons are only used against their own people. Rambo does a great job showing the West and rest of the world what innocent men, women, and children are going through in Burma.

Excellent Addition to the Series
Rating Point :4 Helpful Point :1
Despite what you may have heard, John Rambo is still very much alive. Hes battle worn, sick of the world, and "retired" in a village deep in Thailand where he catches snakes, fishes, and sleeps fitful nights. He probably would have lived out his days this way and quietly died years from now with us never hearing from him had not a group of missionaries from Colorado decided that they would go into the worst area of Burma on a humanitarian mission, or had Rambo been able to talk them out of it. But that didnt happen...

And with that set-up, John Rambo is back. I wont recant the plot anymore, suffice to say there is incredible action in this film, just amazing, and if you are like the rest of the population, and Rambo is your kind of American hero, youll follow his every move.

Sylvester Stallone gets some big props here for several reasons. Though you can pretty much guess whats going to happen, it doesnt matter. There are enough surprises, and each individual scene will keep you in your seat. Sly also gets credit for reminding us when he steps up, he can act pretty well. Despite at times being the killing machine you might expect, he does a very good job of the war torn Rambo, and allowing him to be a complex character. The film is also very nice looking, with terrific sound and visual effects, and Brian Tylers score pays good homage to the late Jerry Goldsmith.

There are a few things I had a hard time with though. For taking a step and reminding the world that the regime in Burma (Myanmar) is an oppressive dictatorship, the film may have missed out on showing its complexity and reality. In this film its simply an end of the world war zone of all war zones. Theres a fine line here, and Sly takes the stance showing the worst of the worst of Burma, in a worst case scenario. This would be more believable had the enemy not be partly faceless, and outrageously cruel. These guys are on par with the Nazis and some of the most brutal inhumane people in history. Are the Myanmar (Burmese) military that brutal? Perhaps at times they have been, but Sly doesnt spend any time showing why, or how it got to be this screwed up. It just is. The film is also incredibly violent and brutal. If youre not ready to see some amazingly realistic gore, youre not going to make it through the film. However, if you can stomach it, the film is very real. War battles arent guys getting shot with no blood, and rolling over telling their buddies to say good-bye to mom. They are loud, harsh, terrifying, fast and bloody, and this film is as realistic as it gets in this regard, reflecting that ugliness and brutality. Get ready.

Rambo fans, or really fans of any action film should watch it. Even if you think you might like this film, you should watch it. If you can handle the brutal reality of it, youll find its an excellent addition to the series by Sly and you wont be disappointed.

Better than anticipated
Rating Point :4 Helpful Point :0
Above par action movie. The bad guys are, as usual, really bad. The people to be saved, pure of heart. And John Rambo is pissed. Not a good thing for the bad guys. But the viewers will enjoy. A high gore content to please the video game crowd. An ending could be a sequel or did "Gran Torino" close that option.

GORE!!!
Rating Point :4 Helpful Point :0
Sylvester Stallones "Rambo" has an emotional resonance. Stallone poignantly completes the John Rambo saga. Stallone gets it right. Not to mislead, "Rambo" is brutal and mercilessly violent. Unlike its predecessors "Rambo" is all realistic carnage, surrounding the Karen peoples civil war against the heinous Burmese Regime. Director Stallone reminds us of this with opening images of the enslavement of Karen young men, and the rape and murder of women and children.

Excellent DVD in excellent condition.
Rating Point :5 Helpful Point :0
The DVD was delivered in a timely manner as promised and in the new/excellent condition as advertised. That is all a customer asks for. Thank you.

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Godinger Contessa 12-Inch Crystal Vase

Godinger Contessa 12-Inch Crystal Vase

Product Description

This elegant crystal vase with its attractive shape and smart cuts makes an appreciated gift for any anniversary... any occasion.
Rate Points :5.0
Binding :Kitchen
Brand :Godinger
Label :Godinger
Manufacturer :Godinger
Model :43341
MPN :43341
ProductGroup :Kitchen
Studio :Godinger
Publisher :Godinger
UPC :028199433416
EAN :0028199433416
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Features

Old world quality and craftsmanship is evident when looking at or holding this classic vase.

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Pandora And The Flying Dutchman

Pandora and The Flying Dutchman

Amazon.com

There are few films that can be acclaimed as truly mad, but Pandora and the Flying Dutchman stands rather wonderfully in this category. Its combination of lust and erudition is inspired by mythology but seems peopled by characters from some hybrid novel co-authored by Somerset Maugham and Ernest Hemingway. Pandora Reynolds (Ava Gardner) is a singer in a coastal town in Spain, where her hobby is attracting the devoted love of powerful men made helpless in her presence. (A race-car driver blithely pushes his one-of-a-kind vehicle over a cliff, just to earn her trust.) While fending off other suitors, including a bullfighter, she becomes intrigued by the mystery man (James Mason) whose yacht is moored offshore. Since he is Dutch, perhaps he is related to the mythical, immortal Flying Dutchman? Dont think it cant happen in this overheated affair. Gardner and Mason are not at their best (she looks ultra-glamorous, of course), but their movie-star wattage is high. The real star is the Technicolor cinematography by the great Jack Cardiff (The Red Shoes) the throbbing colors are just right for the unreal scenario playing out before us. Writer-director Albert Lewin, probably best known for his Picture of Dorian Gray, had a literary bent, and in this movie that means people are constantly planting their feet and reciting snippets of poetry toward the moonlit sea. Somehow this fits in perfectly with the rest of the delirium. --Robert Horton
Rate Points :4.0
Binding :DVD
Label :Kino Video
Manufacturer :Kino Video
MPN :163
ProductGroup :DVD
Studio :Kino Video
Publisher :Kino Video
UPC :738329016326
EAN :9786305848752
Price :$29.95USD
Lowest Price :$19.20USD
Customer ReviewsClassic Ethereal Fantasy
Rating Point :5 Helpful Point :0
Albert Lewins independently produced and directed UK film PANDORA AND THE FLYING DUTCHMAN (1951) is one of the most ethereal and haunting love stories ever filmed. Lewin directs with keen eyes and doesnt often stray from the ethereal atmosphere, to the viewers delight. We get truly superb performances by the entire cast, particularly Ava Gardner, who delivers a heart-felt and very memorable performance. Not to mention the other-worldly photography, which is beautifully shot by two-time Oscar winner, the master cinematographer, Jack Cardiff (BLACK NARCISSUS,THE RED SHOES). Another major addition to this film is the musical score by classical composer Alan Rawsthorne, which is dream-like and uplifting, yet blended with a sense of melancholy. The score also blends poetically with the other-worldly visual richness to extraordinary effect. Fans of classic fantasy films are sure to be delighted. Highly recommended.

confusing, Curdled elements. Not the one I originally saw !
Rating Point :2 Helpful Point :2
Many , many years ago , in Britain, I saw a DIFFERENT version of this movie which was riveting and fascinating. (I have NEVER forgotten the lines about "The moving finger writes and having writ moves on...."!) The end of the movie was in BW, with them both leaning over the rail of the Flying Dutchman and mist and sea spray adding to the "DOOMED" aura. This version was both disappointing and almost embarassing in its flamboyant, self-indulgent, self-consciousness....PLUS the over saturated color-work. However, as it happens I can find no reference to the copy I originally saw....??

ACE
Rating Point :5 Helpful Point :2
Speedy delivery as always. DVD was delivered in perfect condition and is being well enjoyed. Hope to do more business with you in the near future.

Challenging, Intriguing, Entertaining, and Sensual
Rating Point :5 Helpful Point :0
Albert Lewin, the writer/director of Pandora and the Flying Dutchman, had a distinctive style that was unique in Hollywood. His surrealist references, the choreography-like blocking of his characters, and his fascination with existential/psychological themes may have been more obvious in his films of the 1940s (The Picture of Dorian Gray and The Moon and Sixpence) but they are all present here as well. Blended with the lush sensuality of the Spanish Coast, mirrored in his heroine, Pandora, they are less obvious and more richly illustrated.

Lewin was never interested in a naturalistic style of film making he lets the theme dominate the characters, moving them like chess pieces toward their fate. In this case, the theme is human passion. In the opening scenes we are introduced to the theme through the suicide-for-love of one of Pandoras suitors counterpointed by the impassioned flamenco dancing of La Pillina. To live or die for passion: that is the question. Each of the male characters is driven by their need to possess Pandora and each works it out --and pays for it--in different ways. The Dutchman is the wild card here because he must deal with a fate that has left him with human passions but demands that he transcend his humanity in order to die.

Pandora is more than a mere catalyst for the male characters. Unlike most heroines of the early 50s, she is given a willful personality and left to work out her own fate. Which of the men will she choose and why?

If you are looking for a piece of romantic escapism, this film works on that level but to look at it in this way is to miss its richness and the challenging questions raised by the theme. References to the work of artists Man Ray, De Chirico, Max Ernst, Marcel Duchamp and the Surrealist school abound. Aesthetics, philosophy, art, and life are intertwined. Buy the film and watch it. Then peel back the layers with Susan Fellemans book "Botticelli in Hollywood: The Films of Albert Lewin" and watch the film again. Its challenging, intriguing, awkward, entertaining, and a sensual treat.

Cool and Creamy
Rating Point :4 Helpful Point :3
Ava beguiles us with her dewy gardenia beauty as Pandora Reymolds, untouchable night club singer. This film noir is soft as a ripple of silk and sensuously ghostly. Pandoras mind is another dimension where the captain is. A romantic ache is created between the lovers and we long for the completion. This movie is delusively calm.

Fine acting, as expected, from James Mason the love-tortured captain Hendrik of The Flying Dutchman, who waits in the jewelled waters of Esperanza, a Spanish seaport, for fulfillment of a legend. Is love an apparition or is it strong enough to pass through the centuries? Pandora and The Flying Dutchman

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Mozart: Le Nozze Di Figaro (The Marriage Of Figaro) - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, Anna Moffo, Giuseppe Taddei, Carlo Maria Giulini, Philharmonia Orchestra & Chorus

Mozart: Le Nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro) - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, Anna Moffo, Giuseppe Taddei, Carlo Maria Giulini, Philharmonia Orchestra & Chorus

Rate Points :4.0
Binding :Audio CD
Label :EMI Classics
Manufacturer :EMI Classics
ProductGroup :Music
Studio :EMI Classics
Publisher :EMI Classics
UPC :094635860221
EAN :0094635860221
Price :$23.98USD
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Mozart - Le Nozze Di Figaro / Te Kanawa, Cotrubas, Von Stade, Luxon, Skram, Fryatt; Pritchard, Glyndebourne Opera

Mozart - Le Nozze di Figaro / Te Kanawa, Cotrubas, von Stade, Luxon, Skram, Fryatt Pritchard, Glyndebourne Opera

Description

Le Nozze di Figaro, Mozarts timeless opera buffa, is one of the greatest of all operatic masterpieces. It is based on Beaumarchais comedy Le Marriage de Figaro and tells the tale of the servant Figaro, who is about to marry the maid Susanna. Count Almaviva, keeping an eye on Susanna himself, tries to prevent this marriage with the help of Bortolo, the doctor, but is continually thwarted.

This exquisite production by Peter Hall, Director of the National Theatre, features a host of renowned opera singers lead by Kiri Te Kanawa as the Countess, the role that made her an international superstar. Knut Skrams charming and likeable take on the character of Figaro works very well with Cotrubas gentle Susanna. Also noteworthy is the outstanding Frederica von Stade, elebrated for her performance in the trouser role of Cherubino.

From the Glyndebourne Festical Opera 1973.
Picture Format: 4:3 Subtitles: I, D, F, GB, SP
Sound Format: PCM Stereo
Rate Points :4.5
Binding :DVD
Label :Arthaus Musik
Manufacturer :Arthaus Musik
MPN :101089
ProductGroup :DVD
Studio :Arthaus Musik
Publisher :Arthaus Musik
UPC :807280108996
EAN :0807280108996
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Customer Reviewsvon Stade
Rating Point :5 Helpful Point :0
As Cherubion, Frederica Von Stade made tingles race up my spine when she sang Voi che sapete che cosa. This to me is what opera is about- timeless beauty, energy, and dramatic human emotion.
This is the first time I have heard Kiri Te Kanawa, she was divine. The energy and connection between The Countess and Susanna was delightful. Ileana Cotrubas as Susanna was fantastic she brought a sense of playful, mischievous fun to the role. Ileana made her character feel real for me. Her timing was perfect. She portrayed Susanna as a well rounded flesh and blood young woman- humorous, warm, loving, and loyal as well as being jealous, sneaky, and cunning when necessary. From the women you couldnt have hoped for more.
I bought a copy after I saw it. I had temporarily hooked my DVD player straight to the TV- once I pick up another optic cable and run it through the sound system the sound can only get better.

Gorgeous singing
Rating Point :4 Helpful Point :1
It is a pleasure listening to the voices of the "prima donnas",Te Kanawa , young VonStade and Cotrubas.The London Philarmonic under Pritchard sounds good.This is an old recording and the quality of the DVD is average but the DVD as a whole is well worth your money.

Beautifully Sung
Rating Point :5 Helpful Point :3
The reviews I have read hailing Kiri Te Kanawas performance were fully justified. She has a beautiful voice which she uses to effortlessly explore the full range of Mozarts The Marriage of Figaro.

I would rate the overall sound quality a 4, considering the cast as a whole did not fully enunciate as loud as the accompanying orchestra. Other nitpicky things: The recitatives were overly fast, as if they were trying to rush through to the next song, and I thought Frederica von Stade was a bit too feminine for the part of Cherubino (yes, its a female part playing a young boy, but again, thats my opinion).

The chemistry of the duets was exceptional. I particularly enjoyed the Countess and Susanna singing the song to the air. Te Kanawa and Cotrubas sounded especially inspired. Again, the word "effortless" seems appropriate for such a beautiful performance.

The Marriage of Figaro is by far my favorite opera, and this is the third performance I have bought on DVD. Having worn out the DVD of the first performance I bought, I had to get different ones to appreciate the variations in other performances. And being resistant to change, I am always surprised when I prefer a subsequent performance to a previously viewed one. It is easy to see though, why this 30 year old performance still retains a high demand with viewers. In short, it is a welcome addition to my collection, and I highly recommend it.

Brilliant!
Rating Point :5 Helpful Point :5
This DVD is a treasure. Perhaps one of the best productions ever. Terrific cast, great direction, wonderful music interpretation, great acting and singing. I am personally quite taken with some of the Met productions Ive seen, but this is right up there with them, and in some cases (Contrubas Susanna, Skrams Figaro), this production exceeds any of the Met performances Ive heard. Of course, Frederica von Stade is THE definitive Cherubino, in singing and acting, and Kiri Te Kanawa is brilliant as the Countess.

Light and Airy Version
Rating Point :5 Helpful Point :0
I enjoy this presentation very much as it is light and airy and full of fun. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to enjoy Te Kanawa early in her career. I also love Ileana Cotrubas and Frederica von Stade. Both are excellent here. Knut Skram makes a fun Figaro.

The Glyndebourne Festival Opera is done on a small stage, making it a more personal presentation. Get it and enjoy it.

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Puccini - La Bohme / Freni, Pavarotti, Harwood, Ghiaurov, Karajan

Amazon.com essential recording

The score for La Bohme comes to glowing life under Herbert von Karajans baton, and Mirella Freni and Luciano Pavarotti make beautiful music together as the ill-fated lovers. The smaller parts are wonderfully sung, the comedy sharply profiled, and the pathos contained in such a way that the operas ending proves remarkably gripping. Londons sound is excellent. --Ted Libbey
Rate Points :5.0
Binding :Audio CD
Label :Decca
Manufacturer :Decca
MPN :421049
ProductGroup :Music
Studio :Decca
Publisher :Decca
UPC :028942104921
EAN :0028942104921
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Customer ReviewsI dont see how this one could be bettered
Rating Point :5 Helpful Point :0
Although some of the most ardent opera buffs will still prefer Beecham, this is really the version to turn to for most people. This is quite simply Pavarottis best role, full of vigour and poetry. If one really wished to find something to pick on, it would perhaps be that he only rarely seems willing to sing quietly, but the feeling (in particular the desperation) and warmth he brings to the role is, as far as I know, unmatched. Freni also, in my view, outperforms e.g. Callas, at least in terms of sheer beauty of sound, although a case could be made that Callas is the superior interpreter. Panerai and Harwood are excellent as well.

But if there is anything sweeping all competition aside, it is Karajan. He has simply got it all, focus on orchestral beauty as well as a taut grip on the drama and momentum. Put that together with splendid sound, and youve got a winning set. A must.

Pure magic
Rating Point :5 Helpful Point :0
When you compare Freni with the light roles that she used to sing in the 60s and this Freni, you will think they are two different singers. But what is truly amazed is the fact that not only her voice changed, but she became bar none to one the hardest heavy lyric soprano roles ever: Mimi. And when she has Pavarotti next to her, it is like heaven. But, wait... Who is conducting is Karajan, unarguably one of the best puccinian ever. This is a record to listen, re-listen, re-listen, re-listen until I dont know when...

One of the two best recordings
Rating Point :5 Helpful Point :1
In a recent BBC3 "CD Review" broadcast, Alexandra Wilson made a gallant attempt to achieve the impossible task of choosing amongst forty or so recordings of "La Boheme" - and while I agreed with her ultimate choice of the Beecham recording with Bjorling, Merrill and De Los Angeles, I have rather more regard for this discarded Karajan recording simply because Pavarottis voice, in its prime, as she herself put it, "runs through the recording like a golden seam". The rest of the cast is wonderful, too, although Karajans love for the score is manifested in a rather deliberately "beautiful" approach and thereby slightly undercuts the drama. I cannot be without either recording of this eternally youthful and moving opera, and although Freni was captured in slightly fresher, more limpid voice in the earlier Schippers set, for me Gedda is absolutely no substitute for Pavarotti at his best. Both Merrill and Panerai are infinitely touching in the great duet "O Mimi, tu piu non torni" and although Beechams recording is a little rough around the edges, he conveys greater energy and fun in the slapstick scenes while, Karajan extracts slightly more pathos from the last act, in better sound. Acquire both sets for the complete experience.

Question
Rating Point :5 Helpful Point :0
Im sorry this is not a review. I was wondering if someone can tell me if libretto is included in this product. Thanks in advance.

A Definitive Production of La Bohme.
Rating Point :5 Helpful Point :1
Puccinis iconic La Bohme (1896) is among the most popular operas in history (second only to Puccinis Madama Butterfly), and "Che gelida manina" is one of the most familiar arias in opera. Based on Scnes de la vie de Bohme by Henri Murger, La Bohme is a romantic opera in four acts. Set in Paris (around 1830), Puccinis opera is about four bohemians living in the Quartier Latin. One of them (Rodolfo) falls in love with a seamstress (Mim), who contracts a cough which slowly consumes her (it is presumably tuberculosis). Rodolfo confesses to Marcello that he has left Mimi because of her deadly illness. When Mimi later dies, Rodolfo cries out Mims name and then weeps uncontrollably. La Bohme was first performed in Turin in 1896.

I experienced a live HD simulcast performance of Puccinis opera from The NYC Metropolitan Opera yesterday, with tenor Ramn Vargas performing as Rodolfo, Angela Gheorghiu in the role of Mim, and Nicola Luisotti conducting. (Franco Zeffirelli produced the opera and designed the sets.) Before the Met performance, I listened to this CD performance to familiarize myself with the opera, and it is truly superb. This production, conducted by maestro Herbert von Karajan, is a definitive recording of La Bohme, with perfect performances (rich in bohemian heart and soul) by Luciano Pavarotti and Mirella Freni in the leading roles. Many opera buffs more knowledgeable than me have called this the greatest recording of La Bohme. The sound quality is impeccable. Highly recommended.

G. Merritt

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