Washington Concert Opera's concert production of I Capuleti e i Montecchi was sublime. End of story. I wanted to write something insightful and nuanced about this experience, but I really don't have much beyond the fact that it was practically flawless, deeply moving, and thoroughly enjoyable.
Antony Walker's conducting was splendid. He literally jumped up and down on the podium and had incredible energy through the whole opera. I started smiling literally seconds into the overture; he was so into the music and the orchestra played so brilliantly together that I knew this was going to be a great show. Walker also kept the tempi moving, which was lovely because there is nothing worse than lugubrious, self-indulgent Bellini. Bravo Maestro. Kate Lindsey (Romeo) stole the show. Apparently this was her first time performing the role, but you wouldn't know it to experience her sensitive phrasing and nuanced acting. Her voice was warm and even through the registers. Her consummate artistry had me riveted and breathless almost the entire time. The entire cast was wonderful. Nicole Cabell (Giulietta) gave a beautiful and committed performance. The role of Giulietta can easily drift into wallowing teenager mode, but Cabell gave her character exactly the right amount of sadness and was never over the top. David Portillo (Tebaldo) really made an impression with his clarion, pleasant voice and engaging presence; after Kate Lindsey, he was my favorite performer of the night. Jeffrey Beruan (Capellio) sang with a lovely round tone. The weakest performer was Liam Moran (Lorenzo), but even he sang very well and delivered a solid performance. I enjoyed every second of this excellent production. Bravi tutti!
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The Met does everything wholeheartedly, and The Enchanted Island was no exception. The cast was incredible, the sets fantastical and mutable, the costumes perfect, and the music sparkling. I enjoyed this production immensely.
That is not to say it did not have its flaws. It is quite a long production, at over three hours, and it felt like it. I happened to not mind, but the fire and energy of the orchestra and cast was the only thing that kept the show from dragging. The libretto leaves much to be desired. It wasn't particularly interesting or informative. In a few places, there were just too many words. I felt like the singers were struggling to fit them in. It seemed that Mr. Sams had forgotten that the recitatives are for wordiness and the arias are showcases for the voice and emotion. I wasn't familiar with the original arias, but it sounded like he was putting entire phrases where there were originally melismas and sustained notes. Bad form, Mr. Sams, especially when working with long-established music. The singers were absolutely phenomenal (not surprising, considering it was THE MET). Their voices were glorious and their acting was energized, committed, and engaging. Susan Graham (Sycorax) was the standout actor of the night, and Placido Domingo (Neptune) the standout voice. Luca Pisaroni won Most Adorable in this show; he was an infinitely lovable Caliban. Also, his voice had an extraordinary warmth and beauty, while still carrying easily through the hall. Danielle deNiese was enchanting as the androgynous Ariel, with great physicality and exceptional vocal stamina. Unsurprisingly for a pastiche, her arias were chock full of vocal fireworks; she sang them all with ease and agility. David Daniels (Prospero) and Andriana Chuchman (Miranda) were solid and enjoyable, if not particularly interesting. The quartet of lovers (Helena, Hermia, Lysander, and Demetrius) were hilarious. Elizabeth DeShong was particularly vibrant and engaging as Hermia. Her voice had wonderful clarity and richness; I hope to see her perform again in the future. The Enchanted Island was a fun show. It definitely helped that it was a mashup of two of my favorite Shakespearean plays (The Tempest and A Midsummer Night's Dream) and blockbuster baroque music. I had a fabulous time. Me: **sings "Svegliatevi nel core" from Händel's Giulio Cesare**
Sister: What was with your character, why's he so angsty? Me: Well, his dad's been murdered-- Sister: So he's Hamlet. Me: --and he has to avenge him-- Sister: So he's Hamlet. Me: Haha, well not exactly... Sister: He's Hamlet. I love my sister. |
AuthorMaayan is a Manhattan-based opera singer. Archives
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