DVD 11018 LAFRICAINE (Meyerbeer)

I so wanted this to be better. The opera has fascinating moments, the production is decent, but I kept wanted more regal voices to fill out Meyerbeer's large, long and demanding lines. Everything is just a bit underpowered vocally. See the SF version with Domingo and Verrett to see what I mean.

This is from Venice (not Vienna) and, though heavily cut, is worth seeing and hearing for the relatively little known but interesting cast - and simple but effective production.