Puccini’s Turandot, one of the most visually striking operas ever created, is presented here in an extraordinary live performance from Beijing’s Forbidden City. Conducted by Zubin Mehta, the production features a star-studded cast, including soprano Giovanna Casolla, tenor Sergej Larin, and soprano Barbara Frittoli. This release is not just a recording of a performance but an immersive experience, complete with a documentary on the making of the film, featuring insightful interviews, a pure audio CD track, a photo gallery, and other bonus content.
This is the first DVD edition of Turandot, Puccini’s final opera, left unfinished at his death. It immediately establishes itself as the best available in any video format and is likely to retain that distinction for a long time. While there are audio editions that present the music more powerfully, this video version excels in its visual impact, thanks to the ambitious setting and production quality.
The challenges of visually representing Turandot are significant, yet this production meets them brilliantly. Filmed on location in the Forbidden City—the very setting of the opera—viewers are transported to ancient Peking. The stage is brought to life with real historical buildings, intricate flags, authentic armor and uniforms, and statues of mythical creatures such as dragons, all contributing to a sense of awe and realism.
In terms of performance, Turandot is an opera that demands a unique combination of vocal power, beauty, and dramatic presence. Ideally, a Turandot should possess the vocal prowess of Birgit Nilsson, the looks and acting skills of Teresa Stratas in her prime, and, naturally, a physical appearance that aligns with the character’s Chinese heritage. Giovanna Casolla offers a strong performance that scores an impressive B-plus on these expectations. Tenor Sergej Larin also delivers a commendable performance, looking the part and singing well, though his acting is limited—an approach that may have been wise for the role. Soprano Barbara Frittoli, on the other hand, shines in her portrayal, demonstrating both vocal and dramatic depth. The supporting cast is solid, adding to the overall strength of the performance.
The opera begins with the arrival of the Prince of Persia, who, having failed the riddle challenge, is executed in front of the gathered crowd. This act of cruelty sets the stage for the arrival of a mysterious stranger—Calaf, a young prince who falls instantly in love with Turandot, despite her infamous reputation. He is determined to win her love and takes up the challenge, although he is warned by his father, Timur, and the loyal servant Liu, who secretly loves him, of the dangers ahead.
Calaf solves the three riddles correctly, but Turandot is reluctant to marry him. In a last-ditch effort to escape, she challenges him to discover her name before dawn, threatening death if he fails. The opera shifts to an intense game of cat-and-mouse, with Calaf, buoyed by his love for Turandot, declaring that he will sacrifice his life if she guesses his name. As the people of Peking search for the name of the mysterious prince, Turandot remains resolute in her cold demeanor.
The climax of the opera comes when Liu, in a final act of self-sacrifice, reveals to Turandot that Calaf’s name is unknown to her, and she dies, leaving Turandot to confront her own emotions. Overcome with a newfound compassion and love for Calaf, Turandot finally accepts him as her husband. The opera concludes with the triumph of love over cruelty and pride, as Turandot’s icy heart melts in the face of Calaf’s unwavering devotion.
This release is one of the first operatic productions specifically designed for DVD release. Unlike earlier video formats that were often restricted by technological limitations, this DVD provides a wider range of viewing options, including enhanced audio and video quality. For those who prefer audio-only experiences, classic renditions like Birgit Nilsson’s recordings (with either Jussi Björling or Franco Corelli) or Joan Sutherland’s interpretations offer excellent alternatives. However, these legendary performances, while magnificent in sound, do not capture the visual grandeur of this new DVD, which offers a compelling reason for experiencing this Turandot visually as well as musically.
