Credits:

Konstantinos Karidis, Covent Garden Royal Opera House Orchestra, Christine Rice, Brian Himmel

Description:

The Royal Opera House's "Carmen," previously available only on Blu-ray in 3D (OA3D7096D), is now available in a standard edition. Zambello's sensual staging of this much-talked-about performance is sensational and passionate in every way. Christine Reiss as Carmen is orthodox in her singing, but her performance is bewitching, and she exudes her sultry sexuality at all times. This is certainly a role that will charm every man, and it is no wonder that there are fights to the death over her. Immer as Don José is an American tenor making his Royal Opera debut, and while he was not a household name in 2010, his 2012 performance of "The Trojans," in which he understudied Kaufman, was highly acclaimed, and he has quickly become a popular singer. Kovalevska, who plays Mikaela, is also making her Royal Opera debut. Kovalevska, who studied under Freni, is a soprano of great promise. And then there is the wonderful Argyris as Escamillo. Born in Greece, he makes the most of his chiseled features to play a very handsome bullfighter.The performance is a truly cohesive experience with beautiful visuals. Naxos Japan