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Showing posts from December, 2014

Tristan und Isolde at Royal Opera

OMG Nina Stemme was absolutely fabulous as Isolde - not only she had that BIG Wagnerian voice, she also did an amazing job at acting the role. Stephen Gould was a pretty good Tristan - strong stage presence and the right kind of voice (apart from the odd wayward moments). I continue to be amazed to see Sarah Connolly in Wagnerian roles (this time as Brangäne), when not so long ago she was still doing Handel trouser-roles. She was fab, stole the show in Act 2. And the production? I forgot I'd seen it. So it was that memorable. And then I remembered how distracting it was. Perhaps someone should explain to the audience what was going on with those curtains. Never mind. Pappano gets Wagner. Full stop.

L'elisir d'amore at Royal Opera

The set by Chantal Thomas works - there was depth and height, and the production made full use of it. Vittorio Grigolo was superb as Nemorino - just the right degree of madness. Lucy Crowe's Adina was a little static at the beginning, but got better as the act went on. Bryn Terfel was almost playing his laid back self. Daniele Rustioni did a good job giving this performance a real fizz.