"Michael Chioldi, stepping in for an indisposed Quinn Kelsey, scored a triumph in the title role. His baritone is muscular and grand, but can be scaled back for intimate moments with Gilda. His “Cortigiani” was a damning attack on the courtiers he so despises and later, a pathetic plea – warm, sad and tragic. His superb enunciation of the text allowed for a truly terrifying spitting out of the vicious moments – “Si, vendetta” was dangerous."