It almost makes me want to cry watching Don Jose/Domingo at 7:12. God what times, They don't do opera like this anymore. So much drama in the cast AND the orchestra ... (Is that a potato chip bag next to the dead Carmen?, and where's the knife?).
Obraztsova is a magnificent Carmen. Domingo was always a terrific Don Jose. These two had great chemistry together, like Agnes Baltsa and Jose Carreras who also made a fine Carmen/Jose pair.
Yes, it's true, she is a very good-looking woman and a real Carmen (I am a woman myself so I am pretty objective here :) ;)) And their singing and acting are GORGEOUS, OUT OF THIS WORLD! Domingo is so SEXY here, real Don Jose'! I like the entire setting, production and scenery!
What can you say but "WOW". Although I'd have preferred Baltsa or Berganza as Carmen this performance was simply amazing because of Domingo and Kleiber, two of the greatest artists ever.
Absolutely. Did you notice the look on her face when she sees Jose make the sign of the cross? It's harrowing! She knows at that moment that she's going to die. So many fine acting choices...
Actually, if you ask me, I think she has never really loved him, she was too selfish. All that could be said is that she was attracted to him, but she grew tired of him later because she met Escamillo.
Now i have not seen the rest of this production but there does not seem to be much chemistry between the two. Singing is fantastic! Obraztsova is fantastic. Closeyour eyes and you hear everything. I think she looks the part too. There is just something missing between them on stage. Can't put my finger on it. But again 2 fabulous voices. I agree with contestar, looks seem to win over substance these days and that may be the death of opera.
I read the comments before watching the clip and was prepared to see something ranging from mediocre to dreadful.
I dont know what people think of opera today. These are stunning voices. In most cases I still didnt figure out the saying "this is not the proper voice for this or that"!!
She acts quite alright and if she is not a model... who cares! Go to fashion shows if you want to see that. "Looks" are the death of golden age in opera...
not any more so much. people are sick of watching water buffalo trounce around on stage. People are starting to realize that big voices come in healthy packages too.
Completely agree with the 'wrong but beautiful' :)! The yawn technique and some other Soviet singing school artefacts (exaggerated lip spreading on [e],[i]) are clearly audible, but her singing is of such a profound beauty and expressivity, her breath support so perfect, her power so great that I listen to her without the slightest 'reservation'. She truly inspires me.
Great singing but horrible horrible staging. Her acting is very sketchy and she does not seem to be into the role. Placido over dramatic as always. BAD BAD STAGING
Zeffirelli legendary status includes his good and his bad. He is not always at the top of his game. He botched the opening of the Met opening in 1969 with his over active production and I often think he isn't so in tune with the operas much these days (losing his supposed touch) He always goes for too much over the top and it comes off as being TACKY and hurts the over all effect of the opera. You are right this is OPERA not a movie hence it is not about Zeffirelli but about the MUSIC
Of course. Zeff's tendency to go over the top is widely known. But I prefer to look at the good rather than the bad. Maybe seeing this as "our" (I'm from Vienna) Carmen makes me a bit biased. :-)
for obraztsova there was no such thing as "not into the role". if you look at the final applause on the dvd one can tell how difficult it is for her to get out of carmen again and out of the dramatic mood. after about two minutes she starts smiling again.
She is the stiffest, fakey Carmen I have ever seen. Great voice but she needs some acting lessons BIG TIME. Placido has nailed it. Perfectly.
MezzoMamma1 2 months ago
I really like her Carmen a lot! When he kneels down and makes the sign of the cross the look on her face is unbelievable!
Dymension 1 year ago
Magnifique!
Siberiaeterna 1 year ago
LOve it!!
TreblesBasses 1 year ago
fantastici...Elèna ti amo <3
robertocresca 1 year ago
Two great voices, a memorable presentation, this is the magic of opera!
Prometheus2013 1 year ago
It almost makes me want to cry watching Don Jose/Domingo at 7:12. God what times, They don't do opera like this anymore. So much drama in the cast AND the orchestra ... (Is that a potato chip bag next to the dead Carmen?, and where's the knife?).
xxxxxx06 1 year ago
Placido Domingo: born to be Don Jose. No other words.
Calaf081081 2 years ago 4
@Calaf081081 !!!!!!! ha ha haa Mario Del Monaco
tenorismo 1 year ago
Obraztsova is a magnificent Carmen. Domingo was always a terrific Don Jose. These two had great chemistry together, like Agnes Baltsa and Jose Carreras who also made a fine Carmen/Jose pair.
MastersoftheOpera 2 years ago 3
Domingo ist nicht mehr zu toppen!
nikodemus000 2 years ago
You almost feel bad for Jose at the very end...
ARReith 2 years ago
Boy she only is a year older then I am, super Mezzo she was and I remember this Carmen when it came out.
pearlmuth3 3 years ago
Yes, she is alive. She will be 70 this year.
ilnytska 3 years ago
IS SHE ALIVE?
pearlmuth3 3 years ago
yes
Agatarco 2 years ago
She's not bad looking and has a nice figure...
Dymension 3 years ago 13
Yes, it's true, she is a very good-looking woman and a real Carmen (I am a woman myself so I am pretty objective here :) ;)) And their singing and acting are GORGEOUS, OUT OF THIS WORLD! Domingo is so SEXY here, real Don Jose'! I like the entire setting, production and scenery!
corellithebest 2 years ago
Is she a contralto or something? I'd never heard such a dark Carmen before...
leadoffeohippus 3 years ago
Actually, she's a dramatic mezzo with balls...
Dymension 3 years ago 3
the best Carmen final I have ever seen...
operafan85 3 years ago 16
This is bad ass. She actually took my breath away, Obraztsova. Seriously.
lizmexico 3 years ago 5
What can you say but "WOW". Although I'd have preferred Baltsa or Berganza as Carmen this performance was simply amazing because of Domingo and Kleiber, two of the greatest artists ever.
Thanks for sharing this clips with us
All the best
Ethratian 3 years ago 3
Does she still love him?
senta78 3 years ago
No.
But Obraztsova acts it as there's a conflict in Carmen's soul.
LeoImage 3 years ago
Absolutely. Did you notice the look on her face when she sees Jose make the sign of the cross? It's harrowing! She knows at that moment that she's going to die. So many fine acting choices...
Dymension 3 years ago
Actually I thought her acting was a bit corny there, but the rest of it was amazing.
crankycaz 3 years ago 2
Actually, if you ask me, I think she has never really loved him, she was too selfish. All that could be said is that she was attracted to him, but she grew tired of him later because she met Escamillo.
corellithebest 2 years ago
Obraztsova's french diction isn't the best, but her voice is great.
operafan85 3 years ago
Plácido Domingo es el mejor!!!
arkudaki 4 years ago 3
Placido el mejor Don Jose....BRAVO
juanmsotog 4 years ago 3
Domingo is my hero!!!
shmoogle14 4 years ago 3
Now i have not seen the rest of this production but there does not seem to be much chemistry between the two. Singing is fantastic! Obraztsova is fantastic. Closeyour eyes and you hear everything. I think she looks the part too. There is just something missing between them on stage. Can't put my finger on it. But again 2 fabulous voices. I agree with contestar, looks seem to win over substance these days and that may be the death of opera.
kamikazekate 4 years ago 2
No chemistry? That's why she dumped him:-)
mltube 4 years ago
I read the comments before watching the clip and was prepared to see something ranging from mediocre to dreadful.
I dont know what people think of opera today. These are stunning voices. In most cases I still didnt figure out the saying "this is not the proper voice for this or that"!!
She acts quite alright and if she is not a model... who cares! Go to fashion shows if you want to see that. "Looks" are the death of golden age in opera...
CONTESTAR 4 years ago 3
Bad Carmen, she might have a fince voice but she doesnt have the looks to match such a character
Flfally 4 years ago
LOL, the close ups aren't doing her any favours but she looks fine enough from afar.
Elisabetta611 4 years ago
Sorry, but in opera it's the voice that comes first, not looks. Or so it should be.
annao273 4 years ago
not any more so much. people are sick of watching water buffalo trounce around on stage. People are starting to realize that big voices come in healthy packages too.
mithrandir81230 3 years ago
Plus the character and sultryness is what makes Carmen sexy, not a tiny annorexic beauty queen.
mithrandir81230 3 years ago
grande scène !
< pour ce geste où la main de Carmen est effleurée par l'amour de José
< espoir/désespoir de Don José !
< pour les paroles de Carmen . . .
amneris8558 5 years ago
Beautiful voice!!!! Wrong but beautiful!!! She is unique Thanks
trumansf 5 years ago
Completely agree with the 'wrong but beautiful' :)! The yawn technique and some other Soviet singing school artefacts (exaggerated lip spreading on [e],[i]) are clearly audible, but her singing is of such a profound beauty and expressivity, her breath support so perfect, her power so great that I listen to her without the slightest 'reservation'. She truly inspires me.
linguistmuz 4 years ago
What a great Jose!
Budwolfe 5 years ago 3
Obraztsova! Obraztsova! Obraztsova! Yay!
epa300 5 years ago 3
Great singing but horrible horrible staging. Her acting is very sketchy and she does not seem to be into the role. Placido over dramatic as always. BAD BAD STAGING
royalbattle 5 years ago
Uh, I'd not call Zeffirelli's production "bad". It's a legendary production & justly so. This is OPERA, not a movie. ;-)
Elisabetta611 5 years ago
Zeffirelli legendary status includes his good and his bad. He is not always at the top of his game. He botched the opening of the Met opening in 1969 with his over active production and I often think he isn't so in tune with the operas much these days (losing his supposed touch) He always goes for too much over the top and it comes off as being TACKY and hurts the over all effect of the opera. You are right this is OPERA not a movie hence it is not about Zeffirelli but about the MUSIC
royalbattle 5 years ago
Of course. Zeff's tendency to go over the top is widely known. But I prefer to look at the good rather than the bad. Maybe seeing this as "our" (I'm from Vienna) Carmen makes me a bit biased. :-)
Elisabetta611 5 years ago
for obraztsova there was no such thing as "not into the role". if you look at the final applause on the dvd one can tell how difficult it is for her to get out of carmen again and out of the dramatic mood. after about two minutes she starts smiling again.
elamigosanti 4 years ago