The 1981 movie is based on a 1973 La Scala production by M. Ponnelle and Mr. Claudio Abbado. I don't intend to go into great detail about everything I like about the movie (and there was a lot) or anything I didn't like (there were very few things). The most important things that I liked? Ms. von Stade and Mr. Araiza, of course. Both great singers at great times in their careers, and there seemed to be a great chemistry between them. I loved the acting of everyone, especially Paolo Montarsolo as Don Magnifico. He knew just how much to mug for the camera without overdoing it. Too much. I especially loved how the chorus was given wonderfully choreographed moves to do in unison while at the same time they were able to react as individuals.
Here is a clip from the movie--the sextet I name in the title of this post. What a joy, a balm for my bel canto heart, to watch and listen to numerous performances of this section.
Following is a totally different staging and design of the same sextet, from Barcelona, 2008:
2010 at the Met, with Lawrence Brownlee and Elina Garança:
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