I have always been fond of Donizetti's music, and while Don Pasquale is not my favourite of his operas it is a musically dazzling and often witty and fun opera. I have always loved the Met productions, with for me only four or five really big disappointments so far, and while I didn't entirely love it, I did thoroughly enjoy this Don Pasquale.
That said, I did see the Ferruccio Furlanetto, Simone Alaimo and Alessandro Corbelli productions and consider them superior.
Not to say this Don Pasquale is not, it isn't quite the contrary, it is just for me it is not quite as witty or as brilliantly sung as the aforementioned productions. Visually it is great, it is a lovely-looking production with traditional-looking sets and sumptuous costuming. The HD is as always spectacular, the sound is clear and the camera angles- though I could've done with less of the close ups of James Levine grinning like a Cheshire cat- are cleverly done.
Musically it is also great. James Levine conducts with bright exuberance and you only have to look at him to see how much he loves his job which is always a pleasure to see. The orchestra play stylishly too.
The performances are mostly very good. I'd say my personal favourite was Mariusz Kweiscien as Malatesta, he manages to display a solid technique, a rich voice and a fun stage presence. Matthew Polanzani while not dull as such is not the most engaging of all performers, but he is dashing and his singing is secure in the technique and just lovely to listen to.
Anna Netrebko is good as Norina, I liked that she showed the shrewish and spiteful side of the character while also managing to be charming and likable. Her singing is musical and has many moments of beauty, even if it is thicker than less agile than I have known it to be. John DeCarlo is solid enough as Pasquale, but for me he lacks the comic timing of Alaimo, the resonance of the voice of Corbelli and the solid range of Furlanetto. He has presence and timing, but his singing at times is quite dry and sometimes lacked assurance in the top register.
In conclusion, a lot of fun. 8/10 Bethany Cox