The Polish TV premiere of the documentary by Chris Hunt has been an important event for the fans of the legendary tenor whose style is as vibrant as Mexico's lively tunes and as upright as the world acclaimed arias. But there is one important notion that we all should keep in mind before seeing it: what we usually expect from a documentary is not necessarily available here. It is not PLACIDO DOMINGO: HIS GREATEST ROLES but PLACIDO DOMINGO: MY GREATEST ROLES. The roles that are not found 'greatest' by others, by the critics, by the audience but found so by the maestro himself. In this way, what emerges is...yes... a subjective viewpoint but a truly absorbing one.
I was very keen on finding some curiosities about the productions, about Mr Domingo's cooperation with the world known artists and directors, his impressions from performing in the dreamlike stages of the world. To my surprise, I found much more: the great Spanish tenor who talks about the roles he performed with real passion, with a feeling of nostalgia, of admiration and the resemblance of the unavailable beauty that sometimes can be captured in music of such caliber. He memorably recalls his experience at the Covent Garden, Vienna Opera and other exquisite places. Moreover, he beautifully attempts to analyzes the ideas he contributed to his roles. And which roles? Not to spoil much, I hope a mention may be made of some operas that include, practically, the greatest masterpieces ever written.
The maestro seems to recall the French repertoire with exceptional affection, in particular SAMSON AND DELILAH by Camille Saint-Saens, THE TALES OF HOFFMANN by Jacques Offenbach, the ultra popular CARMEN by Georges Bizet. Then come the greatest Italian operas by Giuseppe Verdi, Giacomo Puccini and the German ones by Richard Wagner. The exclusive interviews are visually supplied with the best fragments of the filmed masterpieces. Meanwhile, the maestro supplies us with an in-depth analysis and a detailed thoughts.
Placido Domingo talks to us both as a singer and as an actor and surprises the viewers intensely with his knowledge of the degree of dramatization therein incorporated. As a great singer, conductor and actor! (I loved the words he says about I PAGLIACCI where he performed under the direction of Franco Zeffirelli). You listen to him and you seem to understand the art of portraying those usually black and white ideas of characters (as it is primarily the case in operas) and the art of singing the thoughts and torments that appear in the mind of an artist. You suddenly realize how diverse a particular character can be depending on the artist who interprets it.
The career that Placido Domingo recalls and the roles he considers as his best ones blend with his childhood memories because, as it is with everyone, at that period most things have their sources. The passion for music, for the drama that plays such a decisive role in operas carry that melancholy that is a key to understanding the majority of ideas. Placido Domingo refers to some crucial and very interesting events of his childhood. In no way rooted in certain politics but in certain upbringing, which can be used creatively to make oneself a unique artist.
A very helpful, highly recommended documentary that helps understand the passion and depth that lie in the efforts to lift us all to a higher level of intellect and entertainment. 8/10
I was very keen on finding some curiosities about the productions, about Mr Domingo's cooperation with the world known artists and directors, his impressions from performing in the dreamlike stages of the world. To my surprise, I found much more: the great Spanish tenor who talks about the roles he performed with real passion, with a feeling of nostalgia, of admiration and the resemblance of the unavailable beauty that sometimes can be captured in music of such caliber. He memorably recalls his experience at the Covent Garden, Vienna Opera and other exquisite places. Moreover, he beautifully attempts to analyzes the ideas he contributed to his roles. And which roles? Not to spoil much, I hope a mention may be made of some operas that include, practically, the greatest masterpieces ever written.
The maestro seems to recall the French repertoire with exceptional affection, in particular SAMSON AND DELILAH by Camille Saint-Saens, THE TALES OF HOFFMANN by Jacques Offenbach, the ultra popular CARMEN by Georges Bizet. Then come the greatest Italian operas by Giuseppe Verdi, Giacomo Puccini and the German ones by Richard Wagner. The exclusive interviews are visually supplied with the best fragments of the filmed masterpieces. Meanwhile, the maestro supplies us with an in-depth analysis and a detailed thoughts.
Placido Domingo talks to us both as a singer and as an actor and surprises the viewers intensely with his knowledge of the degree of dramatization therein incorporated. As a great singer, conductor and actor! (I loved the words he says about I PAGLIACCI where he performed under the direction of Franco Zeffirelli). You listen to him and you seem to understand the art of portraying those usually black and white ideas of characters (as it is primarily the case in operas) and the art of singing the thoughts and torments that appear in the mind of an artist. You suddenly realize how diverse a particular character can be depending on the artist who interprets it.
The career that Placido Domingo recalls and the roles he considers as his best ones blend with his childhood memories because, as it is with everyone, at that period most things have their sources. The passion for music, for the drama that plays such a decisive role in operas carry that melancholy that is a key to understanding the majority of ideas. Placido Domingo refers to some crucial and very interesting events of his childhood. In no way rooted in certain politics but in certain upbringing, which can be used creatively to make oneself a unique artist.
A very helpful, highly recommended documentary that helps understand the passion and depth that lie in the efforts to lift us all to a higher level of intellect and entertainment. 8/10