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Il trittico at the Royal Opera

YES! The new opera season has just started after a dreary British Summer. The last time I saw Il trittico was at the ENO years ago. Don't remember much part from hearing O mio babbino caro in the context of Gianni Schicchi. I was rather excited to see the triptych staged by the Royal Opera House.

Il tabarro: Eva-Maria Westbroek was a very powerful Giorgetta - with all those torn emotions fully expressed. Lucio Gallo sang Michele switching between rage and resignation. Ultz's design was stark yet atmospheric. There were sufficient background movements (the odd sailor, or strolling evening couple) to keep the set real without being too distracting.

Suor angelica: Ermonela Jaho was Angelica - where her voice darted from the cool / calm sister, to a penitent nun, to a distressed mother. All delivered wonderfully. I loved the moment when everyone froze on stage after Angelica's death - like someone pressed the Pause button on a DVD.

Gianni Schicchi: This was the same Royal Opera production that paired with L'heure espagnole a few seasons back. This revival brought the same fun and whimsical elements about. Francesco Demuro who sang the lover of Schicchi's daughter was a voice to watch.

And what an evening with such rich emotional textures, sound worlds and contexts - brought about by Pappano. There was some very good playing in Il tabarro with those very modern harmonies. The ensembles were rock solid all the way through. What a great way to start the new opera season.
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