Post by joem on Mar 10, 2017 23:52:14 GMT
The ENO's decision to commission new works is laudable and this is quite a worthy effort. Not full, maybe an 80% house which was quite supportive.
Advantage is that it starts with a well-known story, adding to the canon of Shakespeare-inspired operas. I don't understand why it is set in vague 20th century "Ruritaarian" outfits, with Soviet goose-stepping and much military costume.
Not an expert on classical music but the score was pleasant enough, in a modern way, no memorable tunes but sung well. It did seem a bit on the one-paced side though, could have done with more contrast.
Theatrically some tricks were missed but the transformation scene was dramatically effective, the ending was a bit more downbeat though.
Advantage is that it starts with a well-known story, adding to the canon of Shakespeare-inspired operas. I don't understand why it is set in vague 20th century "Ruritaarian" outfits, with Soviet goose-stepping and much military costume.
Not an expert on classical music but the score was pleasant enough, in a modern way, no memorable tunes but sung well. It did seem a bit on the one-paced side though, could have done with more contrast.
Theatrically some tricks were missed but the transformation scene was dramatically effective, the ending was a bit more downbeat though.
