Reviews |
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June, 2018 (bachtrack) Dutch National Opera: Les Contes d'Hoffmann"At the première, maestro Rizzi conducted with elegance and momentum and both the house chorus and the Rotterdam Philharmonic... "At the première, maestro Rizzi conducted with elegance and momentum and both the house chorus and the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra were at their superlative best." read more |
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June, 2018 (Place de l'Opera) Carlo Rizzi geniet van eerste HoffmannComponisten slaken postuum een zucht van verlichting als Carlo Rizzi op de bok staat. Bij de Italiaanse maestro is hun muziek in veilige... Componisten slaken postuum een zucht van verlichting als Carlo Rizzi op de bok staat. Bij de Italiaanse maestro is hun muziek in veilige handen. Groot is Rizzi’s reputatie, groot is de lof die hij vrijwel standaard krijgt voor zijn directies. Bij De Nationale Opera werkt hij voor het eerst aan Les contes d’Hoffmann van Offenbach. “Het is een heel delicaat werk.” read more |
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April, 2018 (Arts ATL) Atlanta Symphony Orchestra: Prokofiev, Mozart, Beethoven"What the audience got under Rizzi’s baton was 15 minutes of a century-old symphony that felt as fresh and new as if it were born... "What the audience got under Rizzi’s baton was 15 minutes of a century-old symphony that felt as fresh and new as if it were born yesterday." read more |
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April, 2018 (Il Tempo) Intervista Parla il maestro protagonista sul podio dell'Opera con 'La Cavalleria rusticano' e i 'Pagliacci'Carlo Rizzi: 'Faccio rivivere la musica dei grandi compositori' Carlo Rizzi: 'Faccio rivivere la musica dei grandi compositori' read more |
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April, 2018 (Il giornale della musica) ROME OPERA: Cavalleria rusticana/PagliacciDry and essential but powerful in Mascagni. Quicker and more colourful in Leoncavallo, whose musical strength lies in the combination and... Dry and essential but powerful in Mascagni. Quicker and more colourful in Leoncavallo, whose musical strength lies in the combination and contamination of the various expressive and stylistic layers. read more |
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April, 2018 (Il Messaggero) ROME OPERA: Cavalleria rusticana/PagliacciThe Maestro imprinted great fluidity to the two 'Verism' masterpieces. He used a light hand to illuminate many moments which are usually not... The Maestro imprinted great fluidity to the two 'Verism' masterpieces. He used a light hand to illuminate many moments which are usually not heard at their best, and to let the music flow with the right breath, luckily avoiding any emphasis and bombast. read more |
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February, 2018 (The Telegraph) A jolly good stab at this unwieldy opera: La forza del destino, Welsh National Opera, Wales Millennium Centre, reviewRizzi has Verdi in his blood, and from his cracking account of the celebrated overture to its final seraphic cadences, he conducts a... Rizzi has Verdi in his blood, and from his cracking account of the celebrated overture to its final seraphic cadences, he conducts a fast-paced and vividly coloured account of the score, played with exceptional clarity by WNO’s wonderful orchestra. read more |
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January, 2018 (bachtrack) From La Scala to The Met: Carlo Rizzi’s view from the pit“Opera productions needs to work for the audience of today. It is a fact of life – and I don’t like it very much –... “Opera productions needs to work for the audience of today. It is a fact of life – and I don’t like it very much – that these days much more information goes through our eyes than through our ears. Just imagine if you had the news without any film or graphics! And it’s the same in the theatre. Everyone thinks that a new production means there has to be something new to see … but there is always something new to hear too. It’s important for the public to understand that they’re going to see an opera – the libretto cannot stand without the music.” read more |
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February, 2018 (The Times) Tosca at the Wales Millennium Centre, CardiffThis is an orchestrally thrilling Tosca. The conductor Carlo Rizzi knows exactly what Puccini needs and he draws wonderful colours from Welsh... This is an orchestrally thrilling Tosca. The conductor Carlo Rizzi knows exactly what Puccini needs and he draws wonderful colours from Welsh National Opera’s orchestra. The pacing is precise, the playing supple and gripping. read more |
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December, 2017 (bachtrack) HALLÉ ORCHESTRA: Respighi, Rossini, Rachmaninov"Making his home debut with the Hallé […] the great Italian opera conductor Carlo Rizzi brought his great sense... "Making his home debut with the Hallé […] the great Italian opera conductor Carlo Rizzi brought his great sense of operatic structure and drama to an intriguing and indulgently romantic evening of Respighi, Rossini and Rachmaninov." read more |
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October, 2017 (The Telegraph) METROPOLITAN OPERA: Norma review - The Met Opera Live in HD: a solid and unpretentious spectacle"Carlo Rizzi conducted the Met’s superb orchestra in a firmly shaped account of the score. The Met audience’s reception was... "Carlo Rizzi conducted the Met’s superb orchestra in a firmly shaped account of the score. The Met audience’s reception was ecstatic." read more |
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October, 2017 (Observer) METROPOLITAN OPERA: Turandot"The wild, swooping score sounded bracingly transparent under Carlo Rizzi’s direction and the company’s chorus sang with a... "The wild, swooping score sounded bracingly transparent under Carlo Rizzi’s direction and the company’s chorus sang with a boldness and musicality one wishes more star soloists could achieve." read more |
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September, 2017 (The Washington Post) METROPOLITAN OPERA: For once, the Met Opera goes traditional for season openerIf there was a gimmick Monday, it was the gimmick of putting the opera in the hands of someone who actually knew how it was supposed to go.... If there was a gimmick Monday, it was the gimmick of putting the opera in the hands of someone who actually knew how it was supposed to go. The conductor, Carlo Rizzi, made his Met debut in 1993 and has been active at major companies around Europe for years. I don’t know if leading this year’s opening night at the Met signals another uptick in Rizzi’s career, but it should, because he certainly gets Italian opera: his conducting had the taut, light, forward drive that this music calls for, without excessive lingering, soupiness or grandiloquence. read more |
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October, 2017 (Amadeus) Al Cinema la Norma del MET: intervista a Carlo RizziWe asked Carlo Rizzi to reveal the secrets of Bellini's work. We asked Carlo Rizzi to reveal the secrets of Bellini's work. read more |
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September, 2017 (Operawire) Master At Two Houses – Conductor Carlo Rizzi on Big Projects At Metropolitan Opera & Welsh National OperaMaestro Carlo Rizzi has led over 180 performances at the Met and when all is said and done in 2017-18, he will have topped 200 performances... Maestro Carlo Rizzi has led over 180 performances at the Met and when all is said and done in 2017-18, he will have topped 200 performances with the company. He has led works by such composers from a vast range of Italian composers including Puccini, Verdi, Donizetti, and Rossini. Of all the works he has conducted, “La Bohème” has been in his care a whopping 58 times, more than any other opera. read more |
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September, 2017 (Classical Music Magazine) Carlo Rizzi champions bel canto in two new recordings"You need to do things which are not written." Carlo Rizzi "You need to do things which are not written." Carlo Rizzi read more |
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June, 2017 (El País) Orquesta Sinfonica de Galicia - Respighi, Bartók, ShostakovichRizzi returned to the podium of the Galicia Symphony Orchestra, the last concert of the orchestra's silver anniversary season; they were... Rizzi returned to the podium of the Galicia Symphony Orchestra, the last concert of the orchestra's silver anniversary season; they were oxygen and fuel. They only needed enough heat or a spark to trigger the reaction and there returned the fire of the great music which orchestra and conductor ignited together so many times in this musical hearth of A Coruña called Palacio de la Ópera. read more |
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June, 2017 (VBPR) Italian opera, bel canto and the future of conducting in safe hands with Carlo RizziRanking among today’s leading conductors, Carlo Rizzi’s vast repertoire ranges from the foundation works of the operatic and... Ranking among today’s leading conductors, Carlo Rizzi’s vast repertoire ranges from the foundation works of the operatic and symphonic canon to rarities by Bellini, Cimarosa and Donizetti. He is in high demand as a guest artist at the world’s most prestigious venues and festivals, not least for the insight and integrity of his musicianship and the visceral energy and psychological depths of his interpretations. read more |
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May, 2017 (NRC Handelsblad) Rigoletto, Dutch National OperaConductor Carlo Rizzi, a reliable Verdi veteran in front of the DNO, leads the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra with a clear hand, so that... Conductor Carlo Rizzi, a reliable Verdi veteran in front of the DNO, leads the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra with a clear hand, so that the tricky vocal and orchestral ensembles remain tight and the beautiful, sharp-edged men's chorus can make the maximum impression ("Zitti, zitti"). The success was thunderous. read more |
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March, 2017 (Corriere Italiano) Interview ahead of Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal's 'Italian Festival' |
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January, 2017 (Hindustan Times) La Bohème revisited, Symphony of India, NCPA MumbaiPuccini composed the original. Who better to helm it than internationally renowned conductor Carlo Rizzi? Puccini composed the original. Who better to helm it than internationally renowned conductor Carlo Rizzi? read more |
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December, 2016 (Le Monde) Cavalleria Rusticana/Sancta Susanna, Opéra national de ParisNeither forgiving nor indecent, Mario Martone's staging favours transcendence. This is first perceived in the pit with an orchestra capable of... Neither forgiving nor indecent, Mario Martone's staging favours transcendence. This is first perceived in the pit with an orchestra capable of conveying the complexity of a sometimes Straussian score under Carlo Rizzi's lively direction. read more |
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December, 2016 (Télérama) Cavalleria Rusticana/Sancta Susanna, Opéra national de ParisIn the orchestra pit, Carlo Rizzi's elegant and restrained conducting seems to marry the scenic austerity of Cavalleria Rusticana, before... In the orchestra pit, Carlo Rizzi's elegant and restrained conducting seems to marry the scenic austerity of Cavalleria Rusticana, before finding release, for Sancta Susanna, in the spectacular musical storm unleashed by Hindemith around his heroine. read more |
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November, 2016 (The Times) Feature: The new code of conductThe new code of conduct: how to really swing your baton. The new code of conduct: how to really swing your baton. |
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November, 2016 (Olyix) Cavalleria Rusticana/Sancta Susanna, Opéra national de ParisCan you explain the choice of this combination? Can you explain the choice of this combination? read more |
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June, 2016 (The Stage) In Parenthesis, The Royal Opera HouseBell’s score is technically exceptional, with fine writing for soloists, chorus and orchestra and both an immediacy and a momentum that... Bell’s score is technically exceptional, with fine writing for soloists, chorus and orchestra and both an immediacy and a momentum that are entirely persuasive. Carlo Rizzi conducts an assured account of a piece that demonstrates a complete command of the operatic medium read more |
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October, 2016 (BBC Music Magazine) Carlo Rizzi Interview – ‘Music that changed me’I wasn’t born to musical parents, so my introduction to music was very mainstream. I remember being captivated by Walt Disney’s... I wasn’t born to musical parents, so my introduction to music was very mainstream. I remember being captivated by Walt Disney’s film Fantasia … read more |
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April, 2016 (Classic Voice) La Cena delle beffe (Teatro alla Scala)I always find it interesting to approach rarely visited and little known works. I always find it interesting to approach rarely visited and little known works. read more |
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March, 2016 (Opera) Carlo Rizzi interview ‘My opera city … Milan’My opera city could only be Milan. Its where I was born and its home to probably the most famous opera house in the world. My opera city could only be Milan. Its where I was born and its home to probably the most famous opera house in the world. read more |
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June, 2015 (Bachtrack) Cavalleria rusticana/Pagliacci (Teatro alla Scala, Milan)“Musically straightforward, Mascagni’s charming, intensely melodic hooks were rendered technicolor beauties by maestro Carlo... “Musically straightforward, Mascagni’s charming, intensely melodic hooks were rendered technicolor beauties by maestro Carlo Rizzi. Low on shading and ruckus, Rizzi allowed negative spaces their respectful ebbs and flows… Pagliacci's high color, closer to Verdi than Mascagni, was taken in lush, expressive cadence by Rizzi.” read more |
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September, 2015 (WhatsOnStage) I Puritani (Welsh National Opera)Sometimes people get confused as to what makes a good production. You'll hear people grumble 'Oh, it's a modern production', yet I've worked... Sometimes people get confused as to what makes a good production. You'll hear people grumble 'Oh, it's a modern production', yet I've worked on some phenomenally good modern productions and some boring traditional ones. It's about how you do it. read more |
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May, 2016 (The Independent) In Parenthesis, Wales Millennium Centre, CardiffUnder conductor Carlo Rizzi, Bell’s richly multilayered score supports the deft interweaving of realism and mythic fantasy... Under conductor Carlo Rizzi, Bell’s richly multilayered score supports the deft interweaving of realism and mythic fantasy byco-librettists Emma Jenkins and David Antrobus read more |
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May, 2016 (The Guardian) Cavalleria Rusticana/Pagliacci, Wales Millennium Centre, CardiffThe themes of love and betrayal seem sharply contemporary, as Carlo Rizzi, conducting from memory and with uttermost conviction, ensures their... The themes of love and betrayal seem sharply contemporary, as Carlo Rizzi, conducting from memory and with uttermost conviction, ensures their emotional veracity. read more |
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January, 2016 (Chicago Tribune) Nabucco, Lyric Opera of Chicago“To safeguard authenticity in the pit, Lyric brought in Carlo Rizzi, an Italian conductor experienced in the Verdi style. He had Lyric's... “To safeguard authenticity in the pit, Lyric brought in Carlo Rizzi, an Italian conductor experienced in the Verdi style. He had Lyric's admirable orchestra playing with a full-bodied yet richly detailed sound, the robust trombones and distinctively colored woodwinds in particular. In all, this was one of the most cohesive, exciting Verdi productions Lyric has mounted in years, filled with one crowd-pleasing moment after another.” read more |
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October, 2015 (Opera Now) I Puritani, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff"Reviews of Bellini operas don't usually start with the conductor. However […] Carlo Rizzi's conducting touched a level of... "Reviews of Bellini operas don't usually start with the conductor. However […] Carlo Rizzi's conducting touched a level of intensity and understanding that might not unreasonably be described as great." read more |
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September, 2015 (The Times) I Puritani, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff“What gives this show its compulsive force, however, is the energy of Carlo Rizzi’s conducting and the impassioned singing of the... “What gives this show its compulsive force, however, is the energy of Carlo Rizzi’s conducting and the impassioned singing of the cast and, particularly, the chorus. Rizzi simply refuses to let the tempos sag, even when his singers seem to want more time, and he is right: Bellini needs this impetus.” |
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September, 2015 (The Spectator) I Puritani, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff“What may remain most vividly in the memory is the supreme conducting of Carlo Rizzi and the equally impassioned playing of the... “What may remain most vividly in the memory is the supreme conducting of Carlo Rizzi and the equally impassioned playing of the wonderful orchestra.” read more |
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June, 2015 (Corriere della Sera) Cavalleria rusticana/Pagliacci (Teatro alla Scala, Milan)“Conductor Carlo Rizzi governs the theatrical machine and the singing very well, without missing any opportunities to enhance the... “Conductor Carlo Rizzi governs the theatrical machine and the singing very well, without missing any opportunities to enhance the lyricism in symphonic passages.” read more |
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May, 2015 (Opera) Un ballo in maschera (La Monnaie)“Another delight of the evening was Italian conductor Carlo Rizzi’s direction, drawing a very precise and dynamic delivery from... “Another delight of the evening was Italian conductor Carlo Rizzi’s direction, drawing a very precise and dynamic delivery from the orchestra, rich in instrumental detail and with an extraordinary dramatic intensity. Many passages are meritorious, such as the very interesting E scherzo od è follia, where the laughing climate suddenly turns into a tense and worried atmosphere, hinting at the tragic outcome, and the second act in its entirety, conducted with great dramatic urgency. The accompaniment of the arias is excellent; here Rizzi introduces a slow pace, still charged with emotion, thus conferring a nobility and eloquence of his own to the Verdian andante. The la Monnaie Symphony Orchestra and Choir get to prove themselves as extremely flexible, and follow the vivaciousness of the direction without difficulty.” read more |
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May, 2015 (BRF) Un ballo in maschera (La Monnaie)“With his musical interpretation, Carlo Rizzi brings an amazing awareness to the complexity of the plot. The orchestra of La Monnaie,... “With his musical interpretation, Carlo Rizzi brings an amazing awareness to the complexity of the plot. The orchestra of La Monnaie, under Rizzi’s leadership, enforces a great moment. As sensual as it is gripping, it is lit up from the orchestra pit; that is terrific music theatre. And the singers correspond in excellent shape.” read more |
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May, 2015 (De Standaard) Un ballo in maschera (La Monnaie)“Conductor Carlo Rizzi fascinates, with immersive tempos and tight attention to detail.” “Conductor Carlo Rizzi fascinates, with immersive tempos and tight attention to detail.” read more |
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May, 2015 (Crescendo) Un ballo in maschera (La Monnaie)“The night’s big triumph was without a doubt the maestro Carlo Rizzi: he follows on a long tradition of conductors grounded in... “The night’s big triumph was without a doubt the maestro Carlo Rizzi: he follows on a long tradition of conductors grounded in lyrical repertoire that has always demanded our admiration. His lively and sustained leadership, delivered with complete efficiency, generated warm applause from the audience.” read more |
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May, 2015 (Deutschlandfunk) Un ballo in maschera (La Monnaie)“Carlo Rizzi’s accompaniment, with the Monnaie Symphony Orchestra, is as prudent as it is gripping. Musically, the evening is at... “Carlo Rizzi’s accompaniment, with the Monnaie Symphony Orchestra, is as prudent as it is gripping. Musically, the evening is at its best.” |
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September, 2014 (Richard Fairman) A bold start to the Welsh National Opera season [William Tell]'... WNO is to be congratulated for starting with a pair of rarities – Rossini’s grand Guillaume Tell and Mosè in Egitto... '... WNO is to be congratulated for starting with a pair of rarities – Rossini’s grand Guillaume Tell and Mosè in Egitto ... David Pountney’s production is dark, sardonic, focused on a strong theatrical message ... a reason for the opera’s neglect has been the killer tenor role of Arnold. Here, WNO played its ace in Barry Banks, who has never sounded better, hitting top Cs with tremendous panache, bringing the French text vividly to life and radiating revolutionary zeal. With him and Clive Bayley’s baleful Gesler as rivals, the performance was in the grip of formidable opposites... The WNO Chorus and Orchestra, though, were on top form and conductor Carlo Rizzi often set the pulse racing. Rossini’s visionary call to liberty deserves no less.' |
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May, 2015 (De Volkskrant) Un ballo in maschera (La Monnaie)“The conductor, Carlo Rizzi, delivers a phenomenal performance. Under his leadership even the smallest and seemingly insignificant... “The conductor, Carlo Rizzi, delivers a phenomenal performance. Under his leadership even the smallest and seemingly insignificant hahaha staccato notes in the choir carry extreme tension.” read more |
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June, 2015 (Corriere d’Italia) In conversation with conductor Carlo RizziCarlo Rizzi at the Opera Awards Carlo Rizzi at the Opera Awards read more |
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May, 2015 (Brussel Nieuws) In conversation with conductor Carlo RizziSubject: Un ballo in maschera (La Monnaie) Subject: Un ballo in maschera (La Monnaie) read more |
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March, 2015 (Klassiek Centraal) In conversation with conductor Carlo RizziInterview with conductor Carlo Rizzi in Antwerp Interview with conductor Carlo Rizzi in Antwerp read more |
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January, 2015 International Opera AwardCarlo Rizzi shortlisted for a 2015 International Opera Award in the Conductor category! Carlo Rizzi shortlisted for a 2015 International Opera Award in the Conductor category! read more |
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May, 2015 (La Libre Belgique) Un ballo in maschera (La Monnaie)“… Carlo Rizzi conducts with an expert yet sensual touch.” “… Carlo Rizzi conducts with an expert yet sensual touch.” read more |
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May, 2015 (ForumOpéra) Un ballo in maschera (La Monnaie)The ultimate prize of the evening goes to the orchestra and their maestro, Carlo Rizzi. Conducting entirely from memory, yet attentive to... The ultimate prize of the evening goes to the orchestra and their maestro, Carlo Rizzi. Conducting entirely from memory, yet attentive to every detail, completely engaged in the singers’ perspectives, he builds the dramatic tensions of the score with remarkable mastery, so that the sequences are perfectly fluent and the whole partition seems entirely made as one. Not a moment of weakness, not the slightest relaxation, but the whole thing is conducted with intelligence and sensitivity that fully do Verdi’s great work justice. read more |
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October, 2014 (The Telegraph) Moses in Egypt, WELSH NATIONAL OPERA‘…David Poutney’s broadly stylised direction of this farrago is colourful, and WNO fields a strong cast, rigorously... ‘…David Poutney’s broadly stylised direction of this farrago is colourful, and WNO fields a strong cast, rigorously conducted by Carlo Rizzi. Two excellent tenors, David Alegret and Barry Banks, cope effortlessly with the technical challenges, while Claire Booth and Christine Rice turn their arias into show-stoppers…’ read more |
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December, 2014 (Hugh Canning) 2014: A Year in Review (Sunday Times)Outside London, opera companies may be struggling to fill theatres, but that hasn't inhibited their enterprise.David Pountney's Welsh National... Outside London, opera companies may be struggling to fill theatres, but that hasn't inhibited their enterprise.David Pountney's Welsh National Opera repertoire encompassed ... Rossini's Guillaume Tell and Mosè in Egitto all challengingly staged and plainly benefiting from the superb conducting of Carlo Rizzi. read more |
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February, 2015 (Dernières Nouvelles d'Alsace) Beethoven’s Symphony No.6“There was a lovable flow in the sound stream under the baton of the Italian conductor, who in the second movement [of Beethoven’s... “There was a lovable flow in the sound stream under the baton of the Italian conductor, who in the second movement [of Beethoven’s Symphony No.6] also let the effects of the musical storm shine through after the birds’ chirping.” read more |
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February, 2015 (Mittelbadische Presse) Rizzi conducts Martinů's orchestral work, Les Fresques de Piero della Francesca"The concert opened with Martinů’s very impressive tone poem, “The Frescoes of Piero della Francesca” (premiered in... "The concert opened with Martinů’s very impressive tone poem, “The Frescoes of Piero della Francesca” (premiered in 1956 in Salzburg), which refers to the cycle of frescoes The History of the True Cross. Rizzi got everything out of the work. The dynamic range was brilliantly exhausted by the orchestra and revealed the intentions of the Czech composer admirably… Carlo Rizzi put on the finishing touches, with every last detail accented perfectly… Rizzi conducted by heart with a vigorous devotion, but also with extreme subtlety when required. The Orchestre Philharmonique was excellent. Also fantastic was the sound specifically called for between the sections of the orchestra and soloists. " read more |
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February, 2015 (Gramophone) CD review - de Falla recording with the Basque National OrchestraIt was an inspired idea to team Pérez up with the Basque National Orchestra, founded in 1982, under the experienced Carlo Rizzi for... It was an inspired idea to team Pérez up with the Basque National Orchestra, founded in 1982, under the experienced Carlo Rizzi for 'Nights in the Garden of Spain.' read more |
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February, 2018 (The Guardian) La Forza del Destino review – sprawling saga brought into sharper focusAll are sustained immaculately by Rizzi’s conducting, which exudes respect for the score in every bar. Overall, this joins the portfolio... All are sustained immaculately by Rizzi’s conducting, which exudes respect for the score in every bar. Overall, this joins the portfolio of outstanding productions that has done so much to restore WNO’s lustre during Pountney’s tenure as artistic director. read more |
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February, 2015 (International Record Review) CD review - de Falla recording with the Basque National Orchestra"In Short, this recording deserves the highest possible recommendation." "In Short, this recording deserves the highest possible recommendation." read more |
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November, 2014 (Lucy Jeffery) Carlo Rizzi and RWCMD give a Moving Performance of Britten’s War RequiemTo mark the hundredth anniversary of World War One, Carlo Rizzi conducted the orchestra and chorus of the Royal Welsh College of Music and... To mark the hundredth anniversary of World War One, Carlo Rizzi conducted the orchestra and chorus of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in a touching performance of Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem, Op. 66 at Cardiff’s St David’s Hall... |
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January, 2014 (VBPR) Acknowledged MaestroRave reviews for Rossini, a series of compelling concert programmes and forthcoming dates with the world’s leading opera companies... Rave reviews for Rossini, a series of compelling concert programmes and forthcoming dates with the world’s leading opera companies underline Carlo Rizzi’s star status. |
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October, 2014 (Seen and Heard International) Superb William Tell from WNO and Empathetic Carlo Rizzi‘Conducted with a complete understanding of Rossini by Carlo Rizzi, superbly played by the orchestra under his direction and (with only... ‘Conducted with a complete understanding of Rossini by Carlo Rizzi, superbly played by the orchestra under his direction and (with only the most minor qualifications) very well sung, this William Tell was an almost unqualified triumph musically speaking …’ read more |
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September, 2014 BBC Music Magazine - Music to my EarsEarly on in my career, I substituted for Klaus Tennstedt in a programme of Mahler with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, as he was ill. I was... Early on in my career, I substituted for Klaus Tennstedt in a programme of Mahler with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, as he was ill. I was curious to listen to his live Mahler recordings, and began with No.4. And I got really hooked into it! I love the way he conducts Mahler - its very understated in a way, but really fantastic. Of all his Mahler recordings, I particularly like the Fifth and Sixth Symphonies. |
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November, 2014 (OPERA Carlos Maria Solare) Armida: Rossini Festival Pesaro'... I had to keep reminding myself that I was reviewing the performance, so big was the temptation to just sit back and enjoy the colourful... '... I had to keep reminding myself that I was reviewing the performance, so big was the temptation to just sit back and enjoy the colourful refined score of Armida, beautifully delivered by the orchestra of Bologna's Teatro Comunale under Carlo Rizzi.' |
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November, 2014 (Opera, December 2014) Moses in Egypt, WELSH NATIONAL OPERA'…In an excellent cast, the outstanding performer is Claire Booth in the role of Elcia … '…In an excellent cast, the outstanding performer is Claire Booth in the role of Elcia … |
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August, 2014 (by Hugh Canning) An Italian in WalesThe Italian Maestro Carlo Rizzi has spent the past three months immersed in serious Rossini - a new production of Armida at the Rossini Opera... The Italian Maestro Carlo Rizzi has spent the past three months immersed in serious Rossini - a new production of Armida at the Rossini Opera Festival, in Pesaro - and will spend the next three immersed in more with the Welsh National Opera in Cardiff. There he takes charge of a brace of relatively unfamiliar works: the newly fashionable French Grand opera Guillaume Tell and (1829) and the Neopolitan opera seria Mosè in Egitto (1818). Rizzi is collaborating with WNO's artistic boss, David Pountney, who directs both shows;neither has been fully staged in Britian for nigh on 30 years. read more |
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November, 2014 (Birmingham Post) Conductor Carlo Rizzi reveals his passion for working with Welsh National Opera'Carlo Rizzi holds Welsh National Opera very close to his heart. He has served two tenures as music director of the company (even learning... 'Carlo Rizzi holds Welsh National Opera very close to his heart. He has served two tenures as music director of the company (even learning Welsh to the extent of being able to be interviewed in the language on the S4C television channel), and is currently conducting two Rossini operas with the company.' read more |
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October, 2018 (New York Classical Review) Tosca (The Metropolitan Opera)"It was tight, precise, and perfectly balanced - but more than that, Rizzi absolutely captured the spirit of the piece, letting Puccini's... "It was tight, precise, and perfectly balanced - but more than that, Rizzi absolutely captured the spirit of the piece, letting Puccini's smoldering score drive the evening" read more |
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November, 2018 (The New Criterion) Mefistofele (The Metropolitan Opera)"He was superb from the beginning last night. From the opening measures, you knew you were in good hands." "He was superb from the beginning last night. From the opening measures, you knew you were in good hands." read more |
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September, 2018 (VBPR) Metropolitan MaestroCarlo Rizzi’s 2018-19 season includes Tosca and Mefistofele at the Met, Falstaff in Tokyo, a new production of Un ballo in maschera at... Carlo Rizzi’s 2018-19 season includes Tosca and Mefistofele at the Met, Falstaff in Tokyo, a new production of Un ballo in maschera at Welsh National Opera and symphonic concerts in Japan, Italy and Spain. read more |
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February, 2019 (The Stage) Carlo Rizzi: ‘Conducting is not telling people what to do – you convince them’Introduced to the UK opera scene by Lesley Garrett, conductor Carlo Rizzi had two stints as musical director at Welsh National Opera before... Introduced to the UK opera scene by Lesley Garrett, conductor Carlo Rizzi had two stints as musical director at Welsh National Opera before becoming conductor laureate. He tells George Hall about his latest touring production. read more |
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January, 2019 (Gramophone) Norma Live Met Recording/DVD“Carlo Rizzi’s love for the score comes across in every bar; he conducts the Met Orchestra superbly and they play gloriously for... “Carlo Rizzi’s love for the score comes across in every bar; he conducts the Met Orchestra superbly and they play gloriously for him.” read more |
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February, 2019 (The Telegraph) Welsh National Opera: Un ballo in maschera“There’s an anchor in the pit, where that staunchly experienced Verdian Carlo Rizzi draws both passion and grace from WNO’s... “There’s an anchor in the pit, where that staunchly experienced Verdian Carlo Rizzi draws both passion and grace from WNO’s excellent orchestra.” read more |
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February, 2019 (Hugh Canning) Welsh National Opera: Un ballo in Maschera“Italian colour and dramatic gusto are vouchsafed by WNO’s former music director, now conductor laureate, Carlo Rizzi, who... “Italian colour and dramatic gusto are vouchsafed by WNO’s former music director, now conductor laureate, Carlo Rizzi, who inspires the company’s orchestra and chorus to thrilling heights. On this form, they are the finest Verdians this side of the Alps.” read more |
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February, 2019 (The Telegraph) Welsh National Opera: Roberto Devereux“Carlo Rizzi conducts with terrific flair and has enormous fun with the splendid overture and its sly reference to the tune of... “Carlo Rizzi conducts with terrific flair and has enormous fun with the splendid overture and its sly reference to the tune of “God save the Queen”. read more |
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March, 2019 (The Times) Roberto Devereux at the Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff“Conducted by Carlo Rizzi, who understands the idiom utterly, the WNO orchestra gives every note meaning and blazes with joy, especially... “Conducted by Carlo Rizzi, who understands the idiom utterly, the WNO orchestra gives every note meaning and blazes with joy, especially in a cracking overture, which playfully includes God Save the Queen.” read more |
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May, 2019 (OPERA MAGAZINE) New National Theatre, Tokyo: Falstaff“the highest praise must go to Carlo Rizzi in the pit, who coaxed an outstanding performance from the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra,... “the highest praise must go to Carlo Rizzi in the pit, who coaxed an outstanding performance from the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, bringing out all the delicacies in Verdi’s ravishing score and finding that elusive, haunting strand of melancholy in an opera that is, after all, about how the world both encourages and punishes the most grotesque self-delusions.” |
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June, 2019 (El País) Pizzetti, Debussy, StraussRizzi, who dominates the expressiveness of big orchestration works like few others do with his control of the sound based on the best... Rizzi, who dominates the expressiveness of big orchestration works like few others do with his control of the sound based on the best exposition of the different sound layers, was able to give the work the character of nostalgic greatness which belongs to it. He stressed the tense calm at the beginning of the third prelude, marked ‘con molta espressione di dolore’ and its serene finale. read more |
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June, 2019 (OPERA RARA) Carlo Rizzi appointed Artistic Director of Opera RaraThe distinguished Italian conductor Carlo Rizzi has been appointed Artistic Director of Opera Rara, with his tenure beginning in September... The distinguished Italian conductor Carlo Rizzi has been appointed Artistic Director of Opera Rara, with his tenure beginning in September 2019. |
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July, 2019 (VBPR) Opera Opens UpCarlo Rizzi’s 2019-20 season includes rare Rossini in Pesaro, landmark new production of L'amore dei tre re at La Scala, Turandot and... Carlo Rizzi’s 2019-20 season includes rare Rossini in Pesaro, landmark new production of L'amore dei tre re at La Scala, Turandot and Simon Boccanegra at the Metropolitan Opera and Les vêpres siciliennes for Welsh National Opera Conductor looks forward to innovative projects as Opera Rara’s new Artistic Director. read more |
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July, 2019 (Amadeus Magazine) 40th anniversary Rossini Festival“Per me è importante quando l’orchestra mostra una partecipazione e un apprezzamento per il lavoro svolto perché... “Per me è importante quando l’orchestra mostra una partecipazione e un apprezzamento per il lavoro svolto perché è il segno di una collaborazione riuscita. E senza collaborazione il direttore può fare poco.” read more |
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September, 2019 (Opera Canada) Carlo Rizzi discusses Puccini, love, and the limits of tradition“I’ve conducted La bohème from memory, Turandot from memory, Tosca from memory—but that... “I’ve conducted La bohème from memory, Turandot from memory, Tosca from memory—but that doesn’t mean every time is the same… every time there is something new. Just this morning I was studying the score.” read more |
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August, 2019 (The New York Times) 40th anniversary Rossini Festival“… A more consistent, and certainly more delightful, production of “L’Equivoco Stravagante” (“The Bizarre... “… A more consistent, and certainly more delightful, production of “L’Equivoco Stravagante” (“The Bizarre Misunderstanding”), conceived by Moshe Leiser and Patrice Caurier as a piece of commedia dell’arte, with all the characters wearing Pulcinella noses. The excellent conductor was Carlo Rizzi.” read more |
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September, 2019 (Toronto Star) Canadian Opera: Turandot“Superb shaping of Puccini’s score by Italian maestro Carlo Rizzi. […] Rizzi deserves special kudos for getting fine nuance... “Superb shaping of Puccini’s score by Italian maestro Carlo Rizzi. […] Rizzi deserves special kudos for getting fine nuance as well as searing power out of Puccini’s score with the COC Orchestra.” read more |
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September, 2019 (Opera Canada) Canadian Opera: Turandot“Conductor Carlo Rizzi […] elicited dynamic shadings and expert timing from the COC Orchestra carrying the pace of the opera with... “Conductor Carlo Rizzi […] elicited dynamic shadings and expert timing from the COC Orchestra carrying the pace of the opera with impeccable tact.” read more |
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August, 2019 (l'opera) L'equivoco Stravagante“Purtroppo, particolarmente in certi Paesi esteri, Rossini (e l’opera italiana in generale) è considerato... “Purtroppo, particolarmente in certi Paesi esteri, Rossini (e l’opera italiana in generale) è considerato ‘facile’, con conseguente mancanza di prove appropriate. Rossini è invece difficilissimo e richiede la massima cura e precisione. Per questo accolgo sempre con piacere gli inviti del ROF, dove Rossini si fa nel modo giusto.” read more |
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October, 2019 (Opera Now) Rossini Opera Festival: L’equivoco stravagante“Everything fizzed along under the assured direction of Carlo Rizzi (conducting without a score), with suitably crisp, energetic playing... “Everything fizzed along under the assured direction of Carlo Rizzi (conducting without a score), with suitably crisp, energetic playing from the RAI orchestra” read more |
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November, 2019 (Crescendo Magazine) Carlo Rizzi, conductor of convictions"He is one of the most demanded conductors of the world lyric stages, but he also attends symphonic concerts. While conducting the... "He is one of the most demanded conductors of the world lyric stages, but he also attends symphonic concerts. While conducting the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra in Wagner and Berlioz, maestro Carlo Rizzi answers questions from Crescendo Magazine." read more |
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February, 2020 (The Guardian) Les vêpres sicilliennes, Welsh National Opera"Verdi is core to the Welsh National Opera Cenedlaethol Cymru’s tradition and with this production – the last in the trilogy... "Verdi is core to the Welsh National Opera Cenedlaethol Cymru’s tradition and with this production – the last in the trilogy undertaken over three seasons by director David Pountney and conductor laureate Carlo Rizzi – they honour his intentions nobly. It is thanks to Rizzi in the pit that Verdi’s combination of power and finesse gives the ear much to savour, and there is theatricality and spectacle aplenty." read more |
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February, 2020 (The Times) Les vêpres sicilliennes, Welsh National Opera“The chorus and orchestra, conducted by WNO faithful Carlo Rizzi, impressed from the start, whether Verdi’s waving a nationalistic... “The chorus and orchestra, conducted by WNO faithful Carlo Rizzi, impressed from the start, whether Verdi’s waving a nationalistic flag or creating airy delights.” read more |
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February, 2020 (British Theatre Guide) Le nozze di Figaro, Welsh National OperaConductor Carlo Rizzi is sensitive to every small variation in mood and tempi, and for example takes Cherubino’s military "Non so... Conductor Carlo Rizzi is sensitive to every small variation in mood and tempi, and for example takes Cherubino’s military "Non so piu cosa son’" at a particularly lively pace to match the spirit of an impulsive lad whose heart is on fire. read more |
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June, 2020 (Gramophone) Les contes d’Hoffmann Dutch National Opera (DVD)‘This is emphatically not Hoffmann as an escapist fantasy. If at times it feels distinctly chilly, that’s offset by the commitment... ‘This is emphatically not Hoffmann as an escapist fantasy. If at times it feels distinctly chilly, that’s offset by the commitment of the performances and by the taut, responsive playing of the Rotterdam Philharmonic under Carlo Rizzi (the orchestral colours really glow).’ read more |
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March, 2020 (Hugh Canning) Le nozze di Figaro, Welsh National Opera‘A musically excellent Welsh National Opera reprise conducted with miraculous style and theatrical brio by Carlo Rizzi.’ ‘A musically excellent Welsh National Opera reprise conducted with miraculous style and theatrical brio by Carlo Rizzi.’ read more |