"Director: Stephen Medcalf"

• Mozart: Le Nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro) -- Glyndebourne | DVD | (25/10/1999) from £18.99   |  Saving you £-1.00 (N/A%)   |  RRP £17.99

  Mozart's immortal adaptation of Beaumarchais' satirical tale has always been a Glyndebourne staple, so it was appropriate that this delightfully traditional production of Le Nozze di Figaro was chosen to reopen a refurbished Gyndebourne in May, 1994. Here, John Gunter's set design is airy and uncluttered, leaving the actors plenty of breathing space, while director Stephen Medcalf likewise allows the characters to speak (and sing) for themselves. Gerald Finley's Figaro and Alison Hagley's Susanna make a charming central pairing; Renee Fleming and Andreas Schmidt are a formidable aristocratic duo, while Marie-Ange Todorovitch fills Cherubino's trousers with pleasing playfulness. Haitink and the London Philharmonic sparkle, as of course they should. Unfussily filmed, this is as close to the real thing as you are likely to get without a Glyndebourne season ticket.On the DVD: This is a double-sided disc requiring a changeover between Acts 2 and 3. With a running-time of 189 minutes, the disc is no longer than some epic Hollywood movies, so such flipping is hard to justify. But at least opera lends itself to natural breaks like this. The sound options are Dolby stereo or 5.1 and the picture is in 4:3 ratio. Subtitles are provided in English, French or German and the booklet contains a plot synopsis. --Mark Walker

• Aida: Live at the Albert Hall | DVD | (04/11/2013) from £4.99   |  Saving you £15.00 (300.60%)   |  RRP £19.99

  Verdi's Aida is one of the most dazzling operas ever written. An epic work it explores the devastating consequences of a classic love triangle between Aida the Ethiopian slave girl the King's daughter Amneris and Captain of the Guard Radames. This intense drama gave Verdi the perfect opportunity to compose some of his most poignant arias and powerful music which convey tragedy and passion and transform the intricate love story into an emotional journey for the spectator. This staging of the classic masterpiece comes from distinguished director Stephen Medcalf and acclaimed costume designer Isabella Bywater. International opera singer Claire Rutter is joined by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and conductor Andrew Greenwood. Filmed live at the majestic Royal Albert Hall in London this programme offers a unique opportunity to see this beautiful production.