I have always liked opera, Bel Canto and Donizetti. L'Elisir D'Amore is a very funny and touching opera with sublime music, Una Furtiva Lagrima always leaves a lump in my throat. I saw the production with Villazon and Netrebko and the production with Alagna and Gheorghiu, and as much as I did enjoy those productions, this delicious treat is my favourite production of Donizetti's opera.
The sets are very effective, simple yet very elegant, and I also loved the costumes. An Amazon review likened the costumes to like a spring garden, I find that a very fitting and spot-on description. The camera work is very good and brings out the beauty and colour of the production more, the picture quality is of excellent clarity and the sound is better than you would expect.
As for the pacing, of the three productions I've seen, this one is the most energetic. The orchestra play beautifully with just the right style to captivate, and James Levine's conducting sparkles.
L'Elisir D'Amore's(1992) performances are great. As much as I do like Luciano Pavarotti, apart from Rodolfo(La Boheme), Duke of Mantua(Rigoletto) and Riccardo(Un Ballo in Maschera), all three roles show off his personality, I have not always been thrilled by his acting. I however find him very charming here, and he sings as effortlessly as ever. Una Furtiva Lagrima is truly beautiful and if I admitted I cried "a furtive tear", would that make me strange?
Kathaleen Battle is a wonderful Adina, she is suitably youthful and her singing and stage presence is full of sparkle and charm. Juan Pons is a great Belcore as well. Coming very close to stealing the show is Enzo Dara, his Dulcamara is hilarious, complete with a strong voice, great vocal expression and spot-on comic timing.
Overall, a delicious production. 9.5/10 Bethany Cox