Osud at the Staatsoper

A seldom heard Janacek opera, Osud is about lost love and art was presented at the beginning of the new opera season in Vienna. While the story line offers interesting interpretation opportunities, the production failed to rise up to the challenge: transparent polystyrene hung from the ceiling rotating around a piano with monotonous costume. Very dull. While Janacek scores often present tonal and rhythm challenges, the orchestra was definitely under-rehearsed - scrappy string, wrong woodwind entries, and general untidiness.

What was enjoyable? The soloists gave their best in the lyrical moments with conviction.
What was not enjoyable? Everything else really - poor production, bad orchestral playing, etc.

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Written On Skin at the Royal Opera

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Hänsel und Gretel at the Royal Opera

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