La serva Padrona (1999) User Reviews

A beautiful, short and unusual opera movie

[gonz30 · 9/10 · 26 May 1999]

LA SERVA PADRONA, a landmark opera buffa from 1752, is served here by the creative Brazilian director Carla Camurati as highly cinematic fare. Originally an intermission piece, it is therefore very short, intended as light entertainment between acts. In short, perfect for a true cinematic adaptation that is innovative without sacrificing its lyrical beauty and integrity. Although sung in Italian, this version of LA SERVA PADRONA is thoroughly Brazilian, from the soprano to the chamber orchestra down to the 18th century Brazilian baroque village and theater, where it was filmed. Intended for the big screen as shown here, the movie won the 2nd HBO award for cinema in 1987, so it may appear on TV or be out on HBO Video. If so, check it out sometime though it's better experienced on the big screen for the visual detail and great Dolby Stereo sound.

Really wonderful

[TheLittleSongbird · 10/10 · 15 December 2012]

Pergolesi's opera La Serva Padrona is very short, at just under an hour, but with its wit and beautiful music, it is time very well spent. It also is significant in the rise to opera buffa. And I had an equally wonderful time watching this opera film. The decision to have the second aria Ma Quando La Finisci proved to be an interesting and good one. Visually, it does look stunning, it is full of colour and evocative detail, while the whole film is very well shot in an inventive way, especially with the orchestra. Speaking of the orchestra, they play superbly, Pergolesi's music still has the lyrical beauty and stylish wit amplified by the orchestra as it should do. The conducting is also assured, without ever letting the energy lag. From a dramatic point of view, that is yet another strong asset. It is very innovative and unmistakably Brazilian yet also maintains the opera's spirit. I found the acting to be great, true it is not very "subtle" and may seem overdone, but considering the overall nature of farce and opera buffa it was appropriate actually I thought. The singing as to be expected is faultless, as are the overall performances. José Carlos Leal has a great sense of comic timing, and boasts a firm yet also flexible voice. Sylvia Klein has a presence that is both sexy and bubbly, and she sings beautifully. All in all, a really wonderful opera film. 10/10 Bethany Cox