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Post by steve10086 on Jul 23, 2022 9:45:25 GMT
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Post by Mr Snow on Aug 1, 2022 21:25:20 GMT
Wii be there for both shows Saturday.
I'm in two minds about this. I've championed 'reduced' Opera performances before, some can be incredibly intense - probably because they are performed in a small space.
But having seen the first two parts of this Ring at Hackney Empire, I'm not convinced that it works with Wagner, whose Orchestrations are just the most sublime.
But on the other hand how often do we get a chance to experience these masterpieces?
Will report back next week.
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1,445 posts
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Post by steve10086 on Aug 8, 2022 6:51:58 GMT
Wii be there for both shows Saturday. I'm in two minds about this. I've championed 'reduced' Opera performances before, some can be incredibly intense - probably because they are performed in a small space. But having seen the first two parts of this Ring at Hackney Empire, I'm not convinced that it works with Wagner, whose Orchestrations are just the most sublime. But on the other hand how often do we get a chance to experience these masterpieces? Will report back next week. Looking forward to your thoughts! |
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Post by Mr Snow on Aug 8, 2022 16:11:40 GMT
OOPS forgotten about this.
Don't know if I let my preconceptions rule my head but ...
So I overall I enjoyed this and was glad I went.
However.
Predictably silly modern set. I can imagine a cave, a river, a forest glade, a fire on a mountain top etc with minimal stage distractions; but its much more difficult when they are all happening on bits of scaffolding that don't change at all. And either the publicity photo they are using for Siegfried aka Neal Cooper, is very old or for some reason the young hero was wearing a 'bald' headpiece?
Overall the cast were pretty good. Standout, thankfully, was Brunnhilde aka Lee Bisset, who is an amazing actress and was always the centre of attention, Her pipes are fine too!
The reduced Orchestra of 19 struggled to provide power and contrast and the the young orchestra was just a little ragged at times. Its unfair to compare them to the two other version I've seen but...they failed to take me to that higher place. The conductor didn't seem that demanding, just content to keep it moving. But as I say I may have decided this in advance, because the Audience were fulsome in their appreciation.
IN conclusion though I'm glad I went, I very much doubt I'll attend another reduced version of The Ring.
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