I PURITANI in Florence: the unknowns of the second cast, February 1, 2015

By SALVATORE MARGARONE
 

Florence, 2/1/2015

“Three Moons…three months…three centuries…” So reads the booklet by Carlo Pepoli Dell ’ opera The Puritans by Vincenzo Bellini. temporal space then, was the common thread for the Director Fabio Ceresa in the staging of capolavoro belliniano all’Artwork of Florence, day February 1, 2015.

The dark permeated from the beginning the whole work, broken down by directing choice in two acts. One change not so scenic impact, then, in the last act.

L ’ orchestra He started playing in pitch darkness of new theatre Florentineby giving just the impression that would be present with strength to the whole work, under the direction by Matteo Beltrami; but, entered one by one the artists, we have realized that so wouldn't have been: the vocal rendition of the performers did not allow the orchestra to have those powerful sound that at times would have needed.

Obiettivamente, the second cast committed was not up to the great Bellini, which unfortunately, even today, is seen as languid and melancholic author, whereas, in the opinion of this writer, is impetuous, nervous, at times disruptive.

The voicesAlthough the orchestra has maintained very low volumes, were covered and the voice didn't arrive! Sara also blame the acoustics in this new theatre, but are legitimate doubts.

Elviraplayed by Maria Aleida, to debut in this worklightweight, has a voice with good agility, but not the same throughout the log. In fact, in the central zone leaked body and did not use the log. Risky changes made on cabaletta "Vien diletto…”.

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The tenor Jésus Léon and sometimes expressionless but endowed with entry of grace, had ringing but in higher notes, unfortunately, brought back the sounds that then were small and covered by the orchestra.images (2)

Worthy of applause the bass Riccardo Zanellatoin the role of Giorgio Valton, full voice, beautiful, warm, smooth, issued with mastery of vocal and instrument which gave a moment of relaxation to the whole work in the air "Cinta di Fiori".

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What about the bass baritone Julian Kim? Routine voice of the rising sun…

Of course, in the course of the evening they played no little excitement and awareness to address an author very complex for both vocal lines that for interpretation.

The audience did not respond warmly, did not grant thunderous applause, nor demanded encores of noted Arias on which is based the work.

The unknowns of the second castultimately they confirmed the value of the first cast, which saw stand out in other performances a stunning Jessica Pratt and Antonino Siragusa in the main roles.

The show, in co-production with the Teatro Regio di Torino , will be repeated in Turin in spring.

 

Salvatore Margarone

Photo artwork of Florence