The Trombones from Hell

[David-G]

Great to be able to agree with you on this, David-G. A sublime evening on every level (for the orchestra in particular! ). I'm even contemplating trying to find the time and the money to go again. And those trombones!
By the way, have you thought of imitating their face masks for the next Michieletto production? (Sorry - I couldn't resist SOME mischief! )

Charming idea re the face masks. I shall bear it in mind.

I do encourage you to go again. I have been three times now and it has been well worth while. Last night I heard Angelini in place of Florez. He was very fine. Not so fluent at the top as Florez, but basically a better actor, and a more believable Orphee as a tragic figure. The grief in Act 1 was more palpable, particularly when the music comes to a pause, and he sings: "Euridice is no more, while I still live; Gods, give her renewed life, or give me death!" Unforgettable.

I was particularly struck in this production by the transition from Act 1 to Act 2. A myriad of spotlights shine through holes in the sloping ceiling, creating patches of light on the raised stage. The light beams are visible in the haze in the air, and look like a sort of forest - and from the rear of this forest, initially obscured by the light beams, emerge the blessed spirits, wearing the most beautiful costumes which grade from white at the top to a deep turquoise blue below. The beauty of this scene quite took the breath away.

Not much mention has been made of the costumes in general, which deserve the highest praise.

I was struck again by the excellence of JEG's conducting. Every tempo seemed perfectly judged, likewise every shade of the phrasing and articulation.

And I was again struck by the organic flow of the dance, always ultra-sensitive to the music, which kept up movement and interest in what can be rather a static opera.

[underthecountertenor]

[QUOTE=David-G;511130]Charming idea re the face masks. I shall bear it in mind.

I do encourage you to go again. I have been three times now and it has been well worth while. Last night I heard Angelini in place of Florez. He was very fine. Not so fluent at the top as Florez, but basically a better actor, and a more believable Orphee as a tragic figure. The grief in Act 1 was more palpable, particularly when the music comes to a pause, and he sings: "Euridice is no more, while I still live; Gods, give her renewed life, or give me death!" Unforgettable.

I was particularly struck in this production by the transition from Act 1 to Act 2. A myriad of spotlights shine through holes in the sloping ceiling, creating patches of light on the raised stage. The light beams are visible in the haze in the air, and look like a sort of forest - and from the rear of this forest, initially obscured by the light beams, emerge the blessed spirits, wearing the most beautiful costumes which grade from white at the top to a deep turquoise blue below. The beauty of this scene quite took the breath away.

I agree about the lighting at that point: absolutely breathtaking. I'm sorry to have missed Angelini's performance, even though JDF was on spellbinding vocal and technical form (though I agree a little wooden in his acting).

It's now tomorrow (currently sold out) or nothing for me. I might take my chance in the queue, but I will first need to do some winter season booking, as Friends booking opens at 9 am tomorrow.

[David-G]

Good luck! Thanks for the reminder about the Friends booking. You might always find a return for Orphee on the on-line booking.

[underthecountertenor]

Thanks! Yes: I'm keeping a look-out.

[jean]

Tomorrow, R3 at 6.30.

[David-G]

Tomorrow, R3 at 6.30.

Thanks for the reminder. Highly recommended to all!

[MickyD]

One of the most thrilling accounts of The Dance of the Furies I know was recorded by Hogwood and a very large AAM orchestra, recorded for a selection of Baroque lollipops back in the 80's, now available for under £2 at Amazon. Worth the price for the Gluck alone!

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pachelbel-Canon-Johann/dp/B000004CX7/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1445842857&sr=1-1&keywords=gluck+hogwood

[gradus]

I thought the thread title referred to the Berlioz Damnation of Faust and the Ride to the Abyss where trombones - I think - play those unnerving almost un-pitched brass blasts.

[jean]

Perhaps a host could add en explanatory subtitle?

[Howdenite]

David-G who opened the thread, having seen the opera at Covent Garden said:

'the orchestra were centre stage on a platform that was sometimes raised and sometimes lowered. And the trio of trombones! Seated on their own on the third tier, above the raised orchestra, anonymised by face masks, playing without scores – their incisive notes in the infernal scenes of Act 2 took the breath away. Truly the heralds of Hades; as the titles said at one point, "the horrible howlings of the rabid Cerberus".'

It was as reported - captivating in the theatre. I haven't had a chance to listen to it on radio yet, but look forward to it.