The focus of Lorenzo Da Ponte’s libretto for Così fan tutte is on female infidelity, two partner-swapping couples and a wager. Its enigmatic ambiguity and lightness of touch, its razor’s edge balance between irony and empathy, detachment and involvement, and on-stage reality and illusion is structured with perfect Classical symmetry. More than any other opera it explores the depths and darker impulses of the experience of love. This production by director Sven-Eric Bechtolf was given in Florence with a staging that ‘holds a balance between philosophy and humour’ (bachtrack.com).

The production of Mozart’s classic comic opera from 2021 is directed by the acclaimed German director Sven-Eric Bechtolf. Conducted by Zubin Mehta, the cast includes Thomas Hampson as Don Alfonso, and the Moldovan soprano Valentina Naforniţa, renowned for her performances of Mozart and bel canto repertoire, as Fiordiligi.

Bachtrack.com wrote about the cast: ‘Lyrical, tranquil moments seemed to be the optimum for Valentina Naforniţa’s Fiordiligi, whose soprano was pleasant, albeit at times slightly hollow in the lower register. Kate Lindsey did a more convincing job as her sister Dorabella, her firm and warm voice very fitting for the role especially in “Smanie implacabili”. As for the two young men… Matthew Swensen displayed some commendable breath control and a steady technique which allowed him to be a sensitive and emotional Ferrando. Mattia Olivieri was an appropriate counterpart as Guglielmo. His baritone was well-projected and he played the role with a fair deal of stage presence.’

The Teatro alla Scala production of La finta giardiniera is available on Naxos 211068990 [DVD] and NBD0129V [Blu-ray], and received a ‘Joker’ Award from Crescendo: ‘Enough to spend three hours of irresistible charm, with an ideal vocal set and instrumentalists led exuberantly by the dynamic and inspired conductor… The whole, remarkably filmed by Daniela Vismara, is to be seen by all those who are reluctant to opera: conversion is guaranteed!’

Cast:
- Fiordiligi: Valentina Nafornița (soprano)
- Dorabella: Vasilisa Berzhanskaya (mezzo-soprano)
- Despina: Benedetta Torre (soprano)
- Guglielmo: Mattia Olivieri (baritone)
- Ferrando: Matthew Swensen (tenor)
- Don Alfonso: Thomas Hampson (baritone)

Picture format: NTSC 16:9
Sound format: PCM stereo and DTS 5.1
Language: Italian
Subtitles: Italian, English, German, French, Japanese, Korean
Region code: 0 (Worldwide)