TV OPERA REVIEW : ZEFFIRELLI’S ‘CAVALLERIA’ ON GREAT PERFORMANCES

Filmed on locations in Sicily and on stage at the Teatro alla Scala in Milan, Franco Zeffirelli’s La Scala production of Mascagni’s masterpiece, “Cavalleria Rusticana,” reaches the home screen tonight on PBS’ “Great Performances” series (Channels 28 and 15 from 9 to 10:30, Channel 24 from 8 to 9:30).

Even more colorful than the visual aspects of this rich film production--the Sicilian town views, landscapes and countryside--is the singing, from Russian mezzo-soprano Elena Obraztsova (Santuzza), tenor Placido Domingo (Turiddu), baritone Renato Bruson (Alfio) and the veteran Fedora Barbieri (Mamma Lucia).

As conducted knowingly by Georges Pretre, the cast gives fervid, nearly overwrought, genuinely Zeffirelliesque performances of unrelenting intensity. In the midst of it all, one is reminded, for once, why the famous Intermezzo is a dramatic necessity in this opera.

Though her vocalism provides no model of beautiful tone or elegant phrasing, Obraztsova’s Santuzza is definitive for consistency and continuity; at no point in her characterization does she let down, hold back or release tension. A stunning performance.

Domingo produces on the same level of operatic energy, and sounds healthy to boot. Bruson’s Alfio avoids all the cliches often committed in that role, while creating a coherent, apprehendable character. Barbieri, now in her mid 60s and still a singing-actress of commanding presence and strong sound, revels in the complexities of Mamma Lucia. Even Lola, as impersonated pointedly and with unusual dignity by Axelle Gall, emerges in multiple dimensions.

The bonus, after the “Cavalleria” performance, is a recently exhumed filmed portion of a 1926 Metropolitan Opera “Cav,” in which Turiddu is sung by none less than the legendary Beniamino Gigli.