Mainly Opera and Ballet
A composer’s first opera may well be forgotten, though certainly not that of Viennese composer Alban Berg — Wozzeck (succeeded by Lulu, which was competed just after Berg’s early death at the age of 50) remains very much in the international repertory. Based on a play by the German dramatist Georg Büchner who died very …
This first revival of Tim Albery’s 2010 production was very welcome, with a cast in some ways stronger than that of five seasons ago. The most prominent feature of the production is the on-stage version of the main proscenium arch complete with Royal Opera House curtains, representing the entrance to the Venusberg. Its later decayed …
Having dancers in the Venusberg scene of Tannhäuser is quite normal, but dance company director Sasha Waltz, who created this opera production, took their use too far. It is fine up to a point to include dancers among the wonderful chorus of pilgrims, but by the second half of Act II they were getting in …
Though only a concert performance with orchestra on stage, the ample room in front allowed the singers to dramatise their feelings, none more so than Danish baritone Bo Skovhus as the Count. He injected huge life, lustiness and levity into the performance of this engaging philistine, a wonderful counterpoint to the artistic sensitivities of his …
In the Olivier Awards today, Christian Gerhaher wins the Outstanding Achievement in Opera for his performance last year in the Royal Opera’s new production of Tannhäuser. Well deserved indeed, and as I wrote at the time in my review: “Wolfram’s unassuming love for Elisabeth was convincingly portrayed by Christian Gerhaher, a remarkable baritone who has studied philosophy …
Tannhäuser himself was boldly and strongly sung by Johan Botha, whose ample frame suits the role of one who has taken his fill of earthly delights.
