TURANDOT
The Met’s Production of Turandot opened in 1987 directed by Franco Zefferelli. The production has
remained one of the most popular productions at the Met. It is easy to see why, the gorgeously
detailed sets and costumes are pleasing to the eye and perfectly fits Puccini’s grand score. And it is
a truly excellent evening when the singers rise to the occasion. Reprising their roles of Turandot
and Calaf are Christine Goerke and Yusif Eyvazov, you have always been excellent interpreters of
these roles. The rest of the cast is certainly excellent and was one of the best performances so far
this season. The plot involves Calaf who wants to win the hand of Princess Turandot. However the
princess beheads all who do not solve her three riddles. Calaf solves all of them, but offers a riddle
to the princess and seduces her, ending with a wedding. The production has sparked controversy
because the singers are not Asian in this opera which is set in legendary China. Due to this reaction
and criticism of the production this run of the opera will likely be the last run of the production.
Everyone should see this before that happens as it was one the best evenings of theater I have
attended. Turandot runs with this cast until November 16 and is revived with a different cast in
April.
DIE MEISTERSINGER VON NURNBERG
One of the longest operas commonly performed with performances at the Met lasting over six
hours. However for those who are able to sit through the opera get a sensitive and intellectual score
and some of the best music Wagner wrote for the voice. The plot concerns Eva and Walter who are
in love but Eva is bethrothed to the winner of the song contest of the Mastersingers. Walter attempts
to become a Mastersinger but is thwarted by Beckmesser. With the help of Hans Sachs, a poet, he is
able to write a Mastersong and win Eva’s hand. The opera has not been seen at the Met since 2014
and returns with one of the strongest casts for this opera. Lise Davidsen brings nuance and
complexity to the role of Eva and Klaus Florian Vogt is able to sing Walther without falling into
barking, an incredible feat considering how long this role is. But the greatest singer of the group is
Michael Volle who sings Hans Sachs. Sachs is propably the longest role to be performed by a singer
in a single opera and Volle rises to the occasion. He make Sachs a father figure, a mentor, a
philospher and a flawed human. Antonio Pappano, who has been absent from the Met for 25 years,
conducts the mammoth score in the pit, and the production by Otto Schenck provides a stunning
backdrop of 17th Century Nuremburg. For those can spare the time Meistersinger is a rewarding
and very charming night. Die Meisteringer Von Nurnberg runs until November 14.
Coming Up:
Next Month I will Review Porgy and Bess, and Euyridce.
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