The latest revival of David McVicar's production of Rigoletto at the Royal Opera continued to be a fantastic grand opera. As I have commented on this here before I shall not repeat myself. What amazed me was that Dmitri Hvorostovsky sang the title role. He was, to me, for a long time the ideal Onegin - tall, relatively handsome, slightly wooden and a warm baritonal voice. To see him as Rigoletto just demonstrated how much he has developed - both vocally (a darker voice) and stage-craft (more movement and character). There was a real "twisted" tone in his voice for Rigoletto to be convincing. I would love to see him as Iago or Mephistopheles.
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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