Isabeau - Holland Park

[Dave2002]

Besides some of the standard repertoire, Opera Holland Park continues to explore some of the byways of the operatic world. Indeed although Isabeau was written over a hundred years ago, the production of Mascagni's opera by OHP appears from the programme notes to be the first in the UK. This follows on the production of Iris, from recent years - both operas being very different from Cavalleria Rusticana. Some of the musical effects, as with Iris, are unusual, and I assume innovative.

The OHP production is for the most part very well done IMO - but the plot ... Like Romeo and Juliet it ends badly, but with perhaps little else along the way to redeem it. Worth seeing, but don't expect miracles.

https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/jul/15/isabeau-review-opera-holland-park-london-anne-sophie-duprels

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/opera-review-isabeau-at-holland-park-w8-7c579rd0q

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/opera/what-to-see/isabeau-opera-holland-park-review-faultless-production-minor/

[I particularly like this line from the Times review -

One penalty of riding naked for an hour through Coventry, the king tells us, is that Isabeau will be burnt by “the sun’s harsh rays”.

Coventry? !!!]

[Lat-Literal]

Besides some of the standard repertoire, Opera Holland Park continues to explore some of the byways of the operatic world. Indeed although Isabeau was written over a hundred years ago, the production of Mascagni's opera by OHP appears from the programme notes to be the first in the UK. This follows on the production of Iris, from recent years - both operas being very different from Cavalleria Rusticana. Some of the musical effects, as with Iris, are unusual, and I assume innovative.

The OHP production is for the most part very well done IMO - but the plot ... Like Romeo and Juliet it ends badly, but with perhaps little else along the way to redeem it. Worth seeing, but don't expect miracles.

https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/jul/15/isabeau-review-opera-holland-park-london-anne-sophie-duprels

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/opera-review-isabeau-at-holland-park-w8-7c579rd0q

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/opera/what-to-see/isabeau-opera-holland-park-review-faultless-production-minor/

[I particularly like this line from the Times review - Coventry? !!!]

Funnily enough, I was looking at the Holland Park site only last night and noted this production. Pardon my ignorance (extensive) but is this in a marquee or genuinely outdoors?
I also looked, I think, at Barber at Glyndebourne - I looked at several so may be confused - but really what I want is a Puccini outdoors which currently seems almost impossible.

[Dave2002]

Funnily enough, I was looking at the Holland Park site only last night and noted this production. Pardon my ignorance (extensive) but is this in a marquee or genuinely outdoors?

It isn't really outdoors, but held in a sort of tent thing, which merges into some of the buildings. It is exposed a bit to the weather outside.

[Lat-Literal]

It isn't really outdoors, but held in a sort of tent thing, which merges into some of the buildings. It is exposed a bit to the weather outside.

Thanks Dave.

Perhaps opera companies should follow the example set by those involved in Shakespeare and think about some truly outdoors events.

[Dave2002]

Thanks Dave.

Perhaps opera companies should follow the example set by those involved in Shakespeare and think about some truly outdoors events.

Why would anyone want to do that? Having asked the question, I am aware of one small company which provides street opera - I could find out more.

This might have some information about previous events - http://www.baselessfabric.co.uk/chat...-street-opera/

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

Having shivered and got soaked (and, on one occasion, got sunburnt) through half-a-dozen midge-plagued and wasp-threatened outdoor theatre productions in my twenties and thirties, I decided that enough was enough, and that the English weather made the very idea a singularly unwise one. Proper seats, indoors for me, please!

[Dave2002]

There was a time when outdoor concerts were quite a good way to spend an evening. I went to several at Kenwood House many years ago, including proper orchestras (such as the Bournemouth SO) and no amplification, and "regular" classical music. Providing one could get close enough the sound was acceptable - though tended to become rather dim further up the hill. As long as the audience were reasonably respectful one could hear the music. Over years those evolved - audiences became noisier - some indulged in other activities of various sorts, and I guess the "market" changed. Now there are still events there, but generally now amplified, and likely to feature pop bands and film music.

There was one small opera company which would offer open air performances at National Trust properties - but the scale of productions was very small compared with performances in an opera house - with scenery, sets, large chorus, large orchestra etc. Sometimes small does work. I recently went to a miniscule performance of Verdi's Falstaff which didn't have an orchestra, but a piano. After the initial shock of such scaling down it actually turned out very well - but that wasn't outdoors.

[Lat-Literal]

There was a time when outdoor concerts were quite a good way to spend an evening. I went to several at Kenwood House many years ago, including proper orchestras (such as the Bournemouth SO) and no amplification, and "regular" classical music. Providing one could get close enough the sound was acceptable - though tended to become rather dim further up the hill. As long as the audience were reasonably respectful one could hear the music. Over years those evolved - audiences became noisier - some indulged in other activities of various sorts, and I guess the "market" changed. Now there are still events there, but generally now amplified, and likely to feature pop bands and film music.

There was one small opera company which would offer open air performances at National Trust properties - but the scale of productions was very small compared with performances in an opera house - with scenery, sets, large chorus, large orchestra etc. Sometimes small does work. I recently went to a miniscule performance of Verdi's Falstaff which didn't have an orchestra, but a piano. After the initial shock of such scaling down it actually turned out very well - but that wasn't outdoors.

Thank you.

On your previous question, all I can say is why would people want to go to the Minack to see a play?

They just do.