Lucia di Lammermoor
by Gaetano Donizetti
Carol Morsani Hall
November 20, 2009
Opera Tampa, the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for Performing Arts resident opera company, is currently presenting a production of Donizetti’s ‘Lucia di Lammermoor.’ As the first show of Opera Tampa’s 15th anniversary season, I applaud Opera Tampa’s choice. A nearly sold out Carol Morsani Hall sat in complete silence from beginning to end as the story came and went right before our eyes.
‘Lucia’ is a timeless tale of star crossed lovers torn between feuding families. Sound familiar? Luckily with Romeo and Juliet being required reading in every high school in America, everyone has a sense of how this may end up. We begin with Enrico lamenting of his depleting wealth. We next meet Lucia herself as she meets with her secret love Edgardo near a fountain outside of their castle. They profess love to one another before God and the heavens, yet to no one else. When Enrico catches wind of his sister’s love from their mortal enemy, he connivingly forges a letter of infidelity from Edgardo. This sets in motion the remainder of our story. Lucia denies Edgardo’s unfaithfulness only to be “confirmed” by the priest of their castle. Forced into an arranged marriage to help their family, Lucia is to be wed to Arturo. The thought of sacrifice for the sake of her family drives Lucia into a madness that leaves the town feeling only pity, even after a horrific incident between her and her new husband.
Walking into the theatre I knew I was in for a wild ride. Some of the things I was pleasantly pleased with was the exclusive use of scrim and top notch lighting. One would think walking into Morsani Hall would equal piano staircases and balconies galore. Quite the opposite. With the exception of one chair, one casket, and a table to behold an altar, there are no props on stage. Opera Tampa’s use of lighting to create a scene out of nothing was thoughtful. My absolute favorite lighting trick of the evening was when Lucia asked for forgiveness on a blank stage. The ensemble on stage parted and turned to face up stage. The stage now resembled a church, complete with the ensemble placed in their pews and Lucia seemingly walking down the aisle. Excellent use of lights and an unadorned stage. Bravo.
In a musical sense, the enharmonic syncopation of voice and instrument was honed to perfection. The exchange between Lucia and a flute that imitated a bird I believe was a shining moment in an otherwise bizarre juxtaposition of beautiful music and harsh reality on stage. I also thoroughly enjoyed the cascading vocal arrangement between men and women, sopranos and tenors, voice and instrument.
A couple other nice points of note would be the costume choice which is right out of nineteenth century European nobility. Kudos.
The opening scene with the entire ensemble is even complete with full sized greyhounds. Nice.
Unfortunately, as the sun rises, it also falls. Just as I enjoyed just about everything about ‘Lucia’, my one and only complaint would have to the English translation projection screen placed above the stage. Don’t fret, I’m not the type to say that if you don’t know Italian you shouldn’t go to the opera. But I will say that for those of us who don’t speak Italian, please be sure that what you’re projecting on our native tongue lines up with what the singers are saying. And if anyone is singing, please project something. I can’t go ten minutes without anything projected above. I still got what was going on, I only feel I missed way too much in translation thanks to a lazy projectionist.
All in all I found ‘Lucia’ to be a great change of pace to a regular theatre going experience. If you have a sweet tooth for classical music and knack to a compelling story, look no further than Opera Tampa’s production of ‘Lucia di Lammermoor’. Another interesting tidbit of information is Opera Tampa’s maestro Anton Coppola. I’ve never experienced a standing ovation before a show. With a resume like Coppola, I now understand why. ‘Lucia’ plays again Sunday November 22 at 2pm. Tickets start at $29.50.
For more information, please contact the David A. Straz Center for the Performing Arts by clicking here or calling 813.229.STAR
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Music of the Post - radiohead
Music of the Post - radiohead
Gentle Blogger,
ReplyDeleteWhat was your impression of the quality of the orchestral playing? Or of the singers' voices? Were they technically up to the demands of their roles? Did they effectively and artistically portray their characters through their singing? Did they observe the musical conventions for a "bel canto" composition, of which this opera is an example? These are all points which are usually addressed in a review of an opera.
I also attended the Opera Tampa performance on Friday, and can say without reservation that in 40 years of adult opera going (which has included LUCIAs in New York, Los Angeles, Reno, El Paso, Chicago, Milwaukee, and Des Moines, Iowa) I have never seen a better one. Superb and expressive Bel Canto singing, a flawless job by orchestral soloists, an arresting projected set...one can always find something to be picky about in any opera production, but heavens, this one was tasty.
I'm glad you enjoyed the performance as well.
ReplyDelete