Movie spotlight
Teatro alla Scala: Joan of Arc
"Giovanna d'Arco; ossia, la pulzella d'Orléans" is an operatic dramma lirico with a prologue and three acts by Giuseppe Verdi to an Italian libretto by Temistocle Solera. The opera partly reflects the story of Joan of Arc and is based on a play by Friedrich von Schiller, although claimed by the librettist to be "an entirely original Italian drama." If the thought of Anna Netrebko strutting her stuff in a suit of armour and tin hat sets your factor tingling then this is a must. It's an inconsistent opera but has some quite wonderful music along the way. The rest of the cast is good and the production won't offend either. Get it for Ms Netrebko's incredible performance alone.
Insights
Plot Summary
This production captures the La Scala premiere of Verdi's "Giovanna d'Arco" (Joan of Arc). The opera tells the dramatic story of Joan, a French peasant girl who believes she is divinely inspired to lead her country against the English during the Hundred Years' War. It explores her spiritual calling, her military leadership, and the ultimate tragic consequences of her faith and her nation's political machinations.
Critical Reception
The 2018 La Scala production of Verdi's "Giovanna d'Arco" was highly anticipated, especially with Anna Netrebko in the title role. Reviews generally praised the star power and vocal performance of Netrebko, along with the dramatic intensity brought to the production. While Verdi's early opera is not as frequently performed as his later masterpieces, this staging was seen as a significant event, showcasing the grandeur of La Scala and the enduring power of the historical narrative.
What Reviewers Say
Praises Anna Netrebko's compelling and powerful performance as Joan.
Highlights the impressive musicality and dramatic staging of the production.
Notes the opera's emotional intensity and Verdi's early operatic genius.
Google audience: Information regarding specific Google user reviews for this live opera recording is not widely available.
Fun Fact
Verdi's "Giovanna d'Arco" was one of his earliest operas, composed when he was only 29 years old, and it features a complex supernatural element with Joan hearing angelic voices.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources