The main reason for issuing this DVD of a new production at Parma in 1987 must be Alfredo Kraus’s ageless Duke of Mantua. In his 60th year he was able to sing the role better than most tenors half his age. His sense of Verdian style, seemingly ageless voice and command of breath remain things to wonder at. Add to that his debonair presence on stage and one realises why he was, and is, a model in this part, one any aspiring interpreter should follow. He makes Marcelo Alvarez in the Covent Garden production listed above seem, for all his vocal splendour, like a novice.

In most other respects the Downes-conducted version is to be preferred. Here, Serra offers a purely sung but ever-so slightly squeaky Gilda and a blank interpretation. Nucci, though far better than in his much more recent Rigoletto from Verona on DVD, gives a routine account of the title part, firmly sung but with no special insights into the part, no match for Paolo Gavanelli at Covent Garden. The other roles are no more than adequately dispatched. The conducting is prompt, little more. Samaritani’s production, after the opening scene, prefers darkness to light, taking the choice to extremes in Rigoletto’s abode. He directs his singers naturally, with no gimmicks. We are told that the video was made only for the theatre, but has been issued for its historic importance, which probably explains the indifferent camera-work and lighting. By contrast the sound picture is excellent. The Parma audience, as is its wont, cheers and boos with equal aplomb.