The Metropolitan Opera Presents (TV Series) Les Troyens (1983) User Reviews

Great cast in a fine production of Berlioz's masterpiece

[TheLittleSongbird · 8/10 · 13 September 2011]

This is what grand opera is all about. Okay this production is not absolutely perfect, the sets apart from Dido's final scene are in general dark and drab, the costumes particularly Domingo's over-sized helmet and the braids for the female chorus are generally tacky and the staging particularly with such large numbers of people is stodgy. However, I can forgive these when the music, performed by the orchestra and conducted brilliantly with passion oozing right from the first note, is as magnificent as it is. Although I didn't think much of the costumes and sets and the picture quality was occasionally hazy too, the sound quality is very good. The performances however are exceptional, Jessye Norman and Tatiana Troyanos are simply spellbinding. Placido Domingo's Aneas is cruelly taxing, but his beautiful tone, strong acting and musicality is still intact. Allan Monk and Paul Plishka are also very impressive. In conclusion, a fine if flawed production. 8/10 Bethany Cox

Very good production of Les Troyens

[AngelofMusic1998 · 8/10 · 12 April 2023]

Les Troyens may not be among my favorite operas nor most popular,but it has a nice story. The first two acts deal with fall of Troy and the last three acts are the story of Aeneas and Dido. Sets and costumes look a bit dark and drab(like Domingo's helmet),but his Aeneas and Tatyana Troyanos'Dido truly do steal the show. The opera ends with death of Dido,in which Tatyana Troyanos,known to me as Santuzza,Oktavian,Eboli and Venus really shines. She works very good with Domingo as determined and brave Aeneas. The rest of the cast,especially Jessye Norman,Paul Plishka and Allan Monk do a great job. Overall,decent Les Troyens.8/10.