Well, I really enjoyed it this time around. The production seemed much less irritating than in 2005 - maybe I got the point more fully.
And the singing, while by no means top drawer, was convincing and (importantly) highly committed.
Terfel dominates the stage with the kind of charisma few singers possess (and was absolutely inside the role). Vinke doesn't have the classic Heldentenor voice, but his rather softer, grainier approach brought real dividends. Bullock's vibrato/wobble is far too wide, but she did give it her all, creating a strong sense of theatre. The orchestra was spiffing, and Pappano paced it perfectly IMO.
Altogether a good evening out!
(Lots of uncovered coughers though.)
And the singing, while by no means top drawer, was convincing and (importantly) highly committed.
Terfel dominates the stage with the kind of charisma few singers possess (and was absolutely inside the role). Vinke doesn't have the classic Heldentenor voice, but his rather softer, grainier approach brought real dividends. Bullock's vibrato/wobble is far too wide, but she did give it her all, creating a strong sense of theatre. The orchestra was spiffing, and Pappano paced it perfectly IMO.
Altogether a good evening out!
(Lots of uncovered coughers though.)
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