Mozart's immortal adaptation of Beaumarchais's 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 their refurbished opera house in May 1994. 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; Renée Fleming and Andreas Schmidt are a formidable aristocratic duo, while Marie-Ange Todorovitch fills Cherubino's trousers with pleasing playfulness. Bernard Haitink and the London Philharmonic sparkle, as of course they should. Unfussily filmed, this is as close to the real thing as you're likely to get without a Glyndebourne season ticket. --Mark Walker
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