Here’s a director who makes no apology for the work…[Pynkoski] creates his own aesthetic of artful, flowing theatricality, which is underlined effectively by Antoine Fontaine’s designs…Špicer sings mellifluously even if his tone is short of sweetness and focus…Crebassa makes a fantastic Cecilio, handsome and beautifully sung…For an effective video version of this opera, this can be recommended.

No one would mistake the Orchestra of La Scala's full-bodied sound for that of a period-instrument ensemble, but it plays very stylishly for Marc Minkowski, and with great energy. The cast is committed and highly musical - and coloratura is generally excellent, thankfully given that it is an extensive feature of most arias. Most impressive is Kresimir Spicer, whose lightish and fluent tenor is a delight, and who brings stature and depth to the titular dictator.