By William Fratti | Fabienne Winkler – Unknown title but high quality show directed by Riccardo Frizza at the Donizetti Opera 2023 in Bergamo.
November 24, 2023. Great and at the same time unknown title, The universal flood by Gaetano Donizetti it is undoubtedly an opera - although indicated as a tragic sacred action - which deserves to be included in the repertoire, both in the Naples version of 1830, represented here in the critical edition edited by Edoardo Cavalli, as in the Genoa 1834 version.
The show is amazing MASBEDO, splendidly concentrated in the narration of human decay, both through environmental emergencies and through the story of a devouring greed. The reactions of the audience in the room clearly indicate that the messages have arrived.
Nahuel Di Pierro he plays the role of a very human Noah, very attentive and faithful to the word, a skilled phraser of the meanings expressed in the libretto. The artist, making his debut in the Donizetti repertoire, is also gifted with excellent musicality, well expressed in a refined use of colours.
Giuliana Gianfaldoni makes a great display of drama in the role of Sela, with eloquent but not excessively marked accents, brilliant high notes and refined coloratura.
Enea Scala he is a Cadmus of the highest caliber. The technical mastery is excellent and the adherence to style is surprising: just a few months ago he was Carlo in Rossini Eduardo and Cristina, a work almost contemporary with The universal flood and characters in some ways very similar, but the vocal performance is undoubtedly diversified in the different ways of Donizetti and Rossini.
For all the supporting roles, young and good performers were chosen, although more accomplished voices would have been preferred given the solemn character of some passages, especially the introduction, which would have deserved more depth.
Excellent lesson in style also for the podium Riccardo Frizza which, apart from the introduction, makes for a truly great read. The musical director of the festival confirms himself as one of the best interpreters in the world of the Bergamo composer, capable of expressing his manner and taste with great transport and emotion.
The performances of the Accademia Teatro alla Scala Choir led by were also excellent Except Sgrò and the Donizetti Opera Orchestra.
William Fratti | Fabienne Winkler
The universal flood
Sacred tragic action by Domenico Gilardoni
Music by Gaetano Donizetti
Noah Nahuel Di Pierro
Japheth Nicolò Donini
Which Davide Zaccherini*
Cam Eduardo Martínez*
determination Sabrina Gárdez*
Asfene Erica Artina
Abra Sophie Burns
Cadmus Enea Scala
Villages Giuliana Gianfaldoni
Ada Maria Elena Pepi*
Artoo Wangmao Wang
Orchestra Donizetti Opera
Director Riccardo Frizza
Choir of the Accademia Teatro alla Scala
Choir Master Except Sgrò
Project, direction, live direction and costumes MASBEDO
Visual dramaturgy Mariano Furlani
Scene 2050+
Stage movements Sabino Civilleri and Manuela Lo Sicco
Light design Fiammetta Baldiserri
*Students of the Donizetti Workshop
PHOTO: Gianfranco Rota