Verdi’s Rigoletto: ENO
This is a sumptuous new production of Verdi’s tragic masterpiece Rigoletto directed by Christopher Alden. Rigoletto is widely considered to be the first of the operatic masterpieces of Verdi’s career. The curtain rises and we are within a 19th century gentleman’s club, Michael Levine’s set is rich with exquisite period detail and atmosphere, providing the perfect backdrop for Verdi’s themes of passion, revenge and sacrifice. It’s panelled perspective is a fine focus for the actions but it also never changes so confuses the story a little further into the action when other places are usually represented, this combination of high definition reality then dream like metaphor confused me a little, and even detracted from some of the finer points that Verdi tries to make or Alden is struggling to point out. It does heave with male malevolence though, my (lady) companion commenting on the oppressive realness of this quite early on in the night.
Hawaiian baritone Quinn Kelsey is utterly captivating, full of power and conviction and just on his own would make this production something to see, his performance as the jester Rigoletto is the best I’ve ever heard, he’s on stage from the first moment, rarely leaving it, and it commanding with his huge presence from the off. With him soprano Anna Christy as Gilda is perfectly innocent and doll like, captivating the audience with her crystal clear singing. Barry Banks making his debut in the role of the Duke of Mantua is vocally perfect and thrills with his tone but oddly unconvincing as a man consumed with sexual conquests.
So not a perfect night by any means, the narrative journey is muddled a little by the mass of action on stage but there are enough excellent elements to make this a rather enjoyable evening out, the singing is perfect, the set a delight and the music without recent parallel.
Until March 14th
English National Opera
London Coliseum
St Martins Lane
London
Until March 14th
Sat 15, Thu 20, Sat 22, Tue 25th February.
Sat 1, Web 5, Fri 7, Mon 10, Wed 12 & Fri 14th of March.
For more information or to book tickets see the ENO website here: