Spanish Night - Domingo [2001]

Amazon.co.uk Review

Plácido Domingo is no stranger to stadium events, though in the old days it was as a singer with his pals, Pavarotti and Carreras. In Spanish Night with baton in hand he has an appealingly avuncular manner, and he couldn't hope for a better class of orchestra than the Berlin Philharmonic, here playing in their annual open-air concert given at the city's Waldbühne. It's a real crowd-pleaser of a programme (and the audience's enthusiasm is immediately apparent and increasingly boisterous as the evening wears on). None of the works stretches the concentration unreasonably, and the views of Spain come not only from home-grown composers (Sarasate, Torroba, Serrano and Vives) but also as viewed through other eyes: Rimsky-Korsakov's Capriccio espagnole, Chabrier's España and Johann Strauss II's Spanish March.

A pair of soloists increase the sequin quotient of the evening: the consummately poised violinist Sarah Chang (who has been round for so long it's difficult to believe she's still only 20) and the full-voiced soprano Ana María Martínez, winner of the Plácido Domingo Vocal Competition in Barcelona. Given the visual limitations of such events, the camerawork is imaginative without being distracting, and the sound, if a little boxy, is perfectly acceptable. Above all there's a great sense of fun to the occasion, and in the final number, Lincke's Berliner Lufte, Domingo is unable to resist seizing the microphone and leading the singing.

On the DVD Sound options are either Dolby Digital 5.1 or PCM stereo and the picture is formatted for 16:9 TVs. A variety of goodies have been added to the concert itself, including interviews with Domingo and Sarah Chang, footage of flamenco dancing in Berlin (which is vaguely relevant) and a behind-the-scenes documentary.--Harriet Smith

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding Concert from Berlin.......2002-05-11

Having seen most of the televised summer concerts from Waldbuhne in Berlin, I can honestly say that the Spanish Night one in 2001 is without doubt the most enjoyable to date. Everything about this festive, high-spirited occasion is outstanding - the program, the conductor and the soloists. The DVD comes includes a comprehensive booklet and an unusual number of bonus features. Besides all this, the disc also provides subtitles(in six languages including English) for the arias sung by Ana Maria Martinez. Not only did Placido Domingo conduct the orchestra most competently but he also sang a little during the last selection and obviously derived great pleasure in singing along with the crowd. Sarah Chang's playing was delightful as ever and Martinez delivered her arias with real sensitivity and presence. The audience enjoyed the evening's entertainment very much as did all those on stage. Technically this DVD leaves nothing to be desired. The 16x9 picture is lovely to look at and the availability of PCM audio as well as Dolby Digital and DTS tracks will satisfy the most discriminating viewer. The DTS track is obviously the one to listen to for the best, most natural and expansive sound. The TV direction was very good throughout, with most angles and closeups well chosen. This DVD is highly recommended for all those who enjoy classical concerts.

DVD Review:

DVD Review List

DVD Review