Giordano Andrea Chénier (1996)

This live from the Met telecast from October 1996 of Giordanos infrequently performed verismo gem is an absolute pleasure to watch and listen to and I highly recommend it Nicholas Joels production is extremely elegant while at the same time being simple and uncluttered Act I for example is dominated by an enormous giltframed mirror precariously tilted I assume that it is a metaphor for the imminent downfall of the decadent aristocracy at the party given by the Contessa di Coigny The costumes designs by Hubert Monloup are terrific The prerevolutionary costumes in Act I are simply stunning each one individually tailored for the choristers and major performers