Post by tmesis on Nov 27, 2022 17:38:14 GMT
The previous new Handel opera productions have been by two of my least favourite directors, namely Barrie Kosky and Katie Mitchell so it was with some trepidation that I attended this yesterday since it was by another of my less favourite directors: Richard Jones. Well I have to report that this was absolutely terrific. A really clever, funny and visually arresting production that actually manages to clarify a confusing, and frankly rather silly, plot.
Vocally it was high calibre. The stand outs were Lisette Oropesa as Alcina. Rich of tone and technically secure (maybe just a tad too much vibrato) she was a commanding presence. Rupert Charlesworth (Oronte) had a lovely Handelian style to his phrasing and, best of all for baroque sensibilities, was Mary Bevan as Morgana - sassy of demeanour but beautifully pure of voice.
It was well played by the ROH orchestra but I think they missed a trick by not hiring a specialist period band.
This production deserves to be revived many times.
Vocally it was high calibre. The stand outs were Lisette Oropesa as Alcina. Rich of tone and technically secure (maybe just a tad too much vibrato) she was a commanding presence. Rupert Charlesworth (Oronte) had a lovely Handelian style to his phrasing and, best of all for baroque sensibilities, was Mary Bevan as Morgana - sassy of demeanour but beautifully pure of voice.
It was well played by the ROH orchestra but I think they missed a trick by not hiring a specialist period band.
This production deserves to be revived many times.
