14/07/2007 Lucia di Lammermoor

Opera in three acts by Gaetano Donizetti
Libretto by Salvatore Cammarano, after Sir Walter Scott
Sung in Italian with English surtitles
With the Chapman Tripp Opera Chorus
Accompanied by the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra

Based on Sir Walter Scott's original novel, "The Bride of Lammermuir", Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor is one of the most exhilarating Italian operas of the 19th century. Set in the wild landscape of a Scotland split by blood-feuds, Lucia is a passionate story of star-crossed lovers - a tale of love and betrayal, desire and deception, blending the passion and intrigue of great drama with music of intensity and elegance.

Leading the cast is Elvira Fatykhova as Lucia, performing one of the greatest and most musically brilliant prima donna roles in the world of opera with its famous "mad scene" and offering a thrilling showcase for colourtura display. Lucia has been a signature role for many famous sopranos who have made it their own, including Dame Joan Sutherland and Maria Callas. Joining Miss Fatykhova will be Bulgarian tenor Yvan Momirov (Edgardo) and Welsh baritone Jason Howard (Enrico), along with New Zealand singers Jud Arthur, Carmel Carroll, Benjamin Fifita Makisi and Derek Hill.

Have you ever been to a live performance and think: wow, this is so great, so much better than staying at home listening to CDs. Yes, I have -- but certainly not this one!! I am no opera critic but i know the overall performance has not given me much thrill.

Lucia di Lammermoor is great probably because of its story background, yet there is not as strong a story line in the opera. Some scenes seem unnecessary and seem to be showcasing the coloratura sopranos. Fatykhova's voice was perfect for this role actually, flawless and sweet. I just didn't really enjoy the way she changed the tone of voice, sudden rises of voice that could have exploded your ear.. for some, it may be the essence of the whole opera experience.. but I thought she could have been smoother. My favourite piece in the opera is "Chi mi frena" where Edgardo sings calmly in desperation for Lucia's faithlessness. However, this phase did not live up to my expectation in the live performance: Momirov's voice was swallowed up by others' given that his voice was low to start with. I have to say, though, that Momirov was my favourite performer that evening: his clear and definite technique in handling the range of tones, lucid and lively body language et al... truly pleasant!!!! =)

Howard was one of the performaners that I enjoyed the least. Good vocal but no acting.
The orchestra was just ok, the solo sucked a bit. At least coordination was okay.
The hall was much better than Auckland Town Hall, what is the town hall for anyway?