Rockwell Blake (Giacomo V, Re di Scozia); Giorgio Surjan (Douglas d’Angus); Chris Merritt (Rodrigo di Dhu); June Anderson (Elena);
Orchestra & Chorus of La Scala; Riccardo Muti
Director Werner Herzog and conductor Riccardo Muti combine with the finest of casts to lavish Rossini’s rarely-performed Neapolitan masterpiece, set in feudal sixteenth century Scotland, with the genius it deserves. June Anderson is an outstanding Elena (the Lady of the Lake) in the 1992 production of the melodrama based on Sir Walter Scott’s poem.
“With lavish sets by Maurizio Balo, evocative and realistic, it establishes the period atmosphere well; but it is Muti’s evident enthusiasm for the piece in his taut and exciting conducting that above all brings out the drama of conflict in 16th-century Scotland, with the melancholy Elena, the heroine, caught between rival forces.” (The Penguin Guide)
“This DVD gives a rare opportunity to experience a work of musical individuality and interest in a well-sung and conducted performance. It is mature Rossini at his best and most demanding of participants. I welcome its availability and recommend it to other enthusiasts of Rossinis opera seria that are, through their musical quality and dramatic potential, slowly gaining a foothold in the repertoire.” (Musicweb International)
