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Showing posts from October, 2008

Matilde di Shabran at the Royal Opera

Imagine Juan Diego Flórez being the bad guy - angular beard, leather trousers, mock military jacket. Of course, that didn't last long as Corradino fell in love with Matilde (Aleksandra Kurzak) when the latter turned up at the castle (comprised of a raised stage and a double spiral staircase that spun around). The 2-hour long first act didn't feel long as the plot moved along nicely. Juan Diego Flórez sang his part with gusto. The second act started marvelously chaotic with the poet Isidoro (sung by Alfonso Antoniozzi) and ended with some coloratura pyrotechnic from Aleksandra Kurzak in true Rossini style. Some would say Matilde out sang Corradino, but I think they both sang fantastically.

A feisty Carmen at Glyndebourne Touring Opera

As I didn't get the chance to see David McVicar's production of Carmen at Glyndebourne first time round, I jumped at the chance of seeing it on tour at Glyndebourne. Katherine Rohrer was a feisty Carmencita with acting skills to match. Yonghoon Lee made a powerful Don José, though he could work on his tender passages and acting skills a bit more. Needless to say, David McVicar's direction brought the drama to life - the "dinner" between Carmen and Don José in Act 2, the barren yet atmospheric Act 3 and the final stabbing scene were all riveting.

Don Giovanni Musical Chairs at the Royal Opera

There were many last minute cast changes on Tuesday night's performance of Don Giovanni. Half of the cast were replacements. There was some miming on stage and singing from the pit. Don Giovanni and Laporello looked so similar (voice, acting, style) which made it very confusing. Pappano kept things going in the pit and did his best out of a bad situation.