Tosca, Royal Opera

We all said "goodbye" to the Franco Zeffirelli production and eagerly awaited to say "hello" to the new production of Tosca at the Royal Opera. Well, there it was - the set and production certainly met my expectation when I saw it tonight. Pappano was intelligent with his tempi (given the last minute tenor replacement as Alvarez was ill) while the orchestra responded wonderfully to his demands.
What was enjoyable? Bryn Terfel - oh my god he can do a convincing Scarpia. Second act scenery was particularly good - loved that torture chamber behind a fake library concept - quite appropriate.
What was not enjoyable? Angela Gheirghiu - didn't really like this "Oh look - I am acting! Look! Look!" approach to her Tosca role. The train of her dress looked idiotic - and it looked silly with that tiara ...

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Written On Skin at the Royal Opera

This was the first revival of George Benjamin's Written On Skin. As with contemporary operas, familiarity goes a long way in appreciating the work. In this revival, I found Christopher Purves's The Protector powerful and moving. Barbara Hannigan, who sang Agnès, was superb. The pure and slightly eerie tone of Iestyn Davies as The Boy completed the perfect cast.

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Hänsel und Gretel at the Royal Opera

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