It didn't help that I had to miss the first act of Così at the Royal Opera last night. Then I bumped into a friend who saw the first act and decided the second act was not worth staying for. So when I sat down I saw the same old Jonathan Miller production, I thought it really was getting tired - the freshness of the production has gone. Thomas Allen was ill and William Shimell stepped in as Don Alfonso who did a fine job (of what I saw anyway). The singing was fine, but it needed more. The playing in the orchestra was ok, but lacked fizz. Time to move on.
It was billed as a "Warm Up Event". But I think it was to do with contracts signed prior to the discovery of asbestos at the Royal Festival Hall which added six months to the renovation programme. Gustavo Dudamel conducted the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra in Strauss Four Last Songs and Mahler 5th. The band made a good sound tough the upper strings were a bit subdue (or was it the Hall?) The Four Last Songs were a bit fast to my liking - and it was only Beim Schlafengehen where I felt the tempo was right. Measha Brueggergosman sang relatively well, though her BIG HAIR was in the way of the sound projection. Mahler 5th was thunderous and supple at the same time - the latter much helped by the strong viola and lower string section. It was exciting and forward but could do with a bit more rubati. Otherwise it was an enjoyable evening out at this much loved venue.
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