Chalk and cheese
Kate McLean
Cavalleria Rusticana and Pagliacci, New Zealand Opera, St James Theatre, to September 3. Reviewed by Kate McLean.
NBR New Zealand Opera’s double bill of Cavelleria Rusticana and Pagliacci was an evening of two very definite halves.
Both operas benefited from a strikingly simple revolving set that gave an impression of more expansive and changing spaces. The robust sound from the chorus meant it was one of the highlights of the night and even the odd timing error can almost be forgiven.
Wendy Doyle was the other star of the first half of the evening. As Mamma Lucia she was sympathetic and strong and the only character one felt any serious empathy for.
The rest of the ‘Cav’ cast sing magnificently but were not convincing as passionate and scorned lovers. They swing between old fashioned histrionics and standing stock still to deliver rather unemotional lines. It was unclear whether this was intentional direction or just unfortunate acting and aspects of the opening drama left audience members cringing with embarrassment. Rather than being carried away by a sense of love, lust and tragedy within a small community there was a lack of cohesiveness that was distracting throughout.
Overall Vector Wellington Orchestra played opera serviceably but one wonders whether they had enough understanding of the meaning behind the motific elements of the score. Much of the luscious music was devoid of emotion and colour though this improved through the evening. Saving the best until last, Pagliacci was a welcome return to well balanced and thoroughly enjoyable opera.
Warwick Fyfe’s (Tonio) opening prologue was immediately engaging both in voice and character whilst Rafael Rojas’s Vesti la giubba had the audience enthralled.
The mix of comedy and impending tragedy in the play within the play was fabulously done with stellar performances from all five of the principals.
Despite the inevitable conclusion, the tension of the final moments is thrilling and sure to leave opera goers sated.
NBR New Zealand Opera’s double bill of Cavelleria Rusticana and Pagliacci was an evening of two very definite halves.
Both operas benefited from a strikingly simple revolving set that gave an impression of more expansive and changing spaces. The robust sound from the chorus meant it was one of the highlights of the night and even the odd timing error can almost be forgiven.
Wendy Doyle was the other star of the first half of the evening. As Mamma Lucia she was sympathetic and strong and the only character one felt any serious empathy for.
The rest of the ‘Cav’ cast sing magnificently but were not convincing as passionate and scorned lovers. They swing between old fashioned histrionics and standing stock still to deliver rather unemotional lines. It was unclear whether this was intentional direction or just unfortunate acting and aspects of the opening drama left audience members cringing with embarrassment. Rather than being carried away by a sense of love, lust and tragedy within a small community there was a lack of cohesiveness that was distracting throughout.
Overall Vector Wellington Orchestra played opera serviceably but one wonders whether they had enough understanding of the meaning behind the motific elements of the score. Much of the luscious music was devoid of emotion and colour though this improved through the evening. Saving the best until last, Pagliacci was a welcome return to well balanced and thoroughly enjoyable opera.
Warwick Fyfe’s (Tonio) opening prologue was immediately engaging both in voice and character whilst Rafael Rojas’s Vesti la giubba had the audience enthralled.
The mix of comedy and impending tragedy in the play within the play was fabulously done with stellar performances from all five of the principals.
Despite the inevitable conclusion, the tension of the final moments is thrilling and sure to leave opera goers sated.
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