Just a quick hit-and-run review because I need to go to bed.
It was fabulous!
A great great opera and a good, intelligent production - I'm even getting to like the sets! A superb orchestral rendition under the baton of Renato Palumbo.
And a wonderful cast. Not exactly star names, but every single singer from the comprimarii to the three main roles were superb and just about perfect for their roles. Patrizia Ciofi as Gilda - gorgeous; Franz Grundheber in the title role - compelling; and Wookyung Kim as the Duke of Mantua... oh my god, so unbelievably gorgeous, his singing made me cry and then scream in applause. And a natural for the part, acting wise. More later (but not before I've written up Lakme and Don Giovanni from last week).
Definitely my best performance of 2007 at Covent Garden. And I've just booked two tickets for the Saturday matinee - restricted view but Stalls Circle. Wey hey!
