La Boheme, November 30th, 2000

The production by Zeffirelli is very well known. It was a big hit with the audience and just goes to prove that when done with care and taste, a traditional production will win over a controversial, modern production !

Marcello Giordani is an excellent Rodolfo (possibly the best knowadays ?). He sings the role with ease and characterizes very well (his desperation in Act 4 was very moving). His only problem is that his voice is not individual enough.

Nuccia Foccile was a good Mimi. She had problems in the first and second act where her voice nowadays sounds a little strained at the top and has lost some of its purity. But in Acts 3 and specially Act 4 she was very good.

No�mi Nadelmann was making her MET debut on this very day. She is a very good singer, her voice projects very well and although not particularly beautiful she uses it skillfully. She sang her famous aria very well observing the diminuendo at the end (many singers just shout her or hang on to a high note on forte) of the aria.

Jean-Luc Chaignaud was also debuting at the MET. He sang a routine Marcello, the voice is not particularly penetrating and his high notes do not have the necessary "ping" for the role but he sang well.

Erwin Schrott was also making his MET debut on this very day. He is a very good singer too, the voice projects well and the tone is beautiful and rounded. I would like to hear him in the future tackling major roles, a good promise !

Troy Cook was a routine Schanaurd.

Marco Armiliato conducted well and the orchestra was marvelous (the chorus too).