Los Angeles LUCIA -- wow!!

[Sweevil]

Last night I saw the new LA Opera LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR. It is stupendous.
Young Russian soprano Anna Netrebko is making her debut in the part, and
from now on I wager she'll be the Lucia to beat.

An astonishing performance, beautifully sung and acted, with every note of
the wickedly difficult coloratura passages gorgeously in place, along with
lots of power and a haunting piannissimo she has perfect control over. The
icing on the cake: Netrebko is a beautiful young woman with a movie star
figure. She looks as gorgeous in this role as she sounds.

The rest of the cast is right up to her level -- there's not a single weak
link. Not just good voices, but amazing ones. Vatalij Kowaljow's Raimondo
has to be heard to be believed. Such beauty of tone along with almost
superhuman power ... he seems to have a 1000 watt amplifier in his chest.

Franco Vassallo brings just the right echt-Italian contribution to the
proceedings, also with power, gorgeous tone, and thrilling, ringing high
notes.

The orchestra plays as if on fire, conducted by Julius Rudel with a youthful
passion that belies his advanced years.

If you miss this show, at least try to catch these fine singers in something
else. You will not be disappointed. I have a feeling Netrebko has jumped
to the top of everyone's wish list for their next LUCIA.

[Sweevil]

Forgot to mention James Noone's marvelous, memorable sets, Jess Goldstein's
excellent costumes (although they come from the period when the opera was
written, the early 19th century, rather than the more primitive era in
which it is set), and Alan Burrett's wonderful lighting ... it's so great to
actually SEE an opera for once, rather than vaguely making it out in the
shadows.

Post by Sweevil
Last night I saw the new LA Opera LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR. It is stupendous.
Young Russian soprano Anna Netrebko is making her debut in the part, and
from now on I wager she'll be the Lucia to beat.
An astonishing performance, beautifully sung and acted, with every note of
the wickedly difficult coloratura passages gorgeously in place, along with
lots of power and a haunting piannissimo she has perfect control over.

The

Post by Sweevil
icing on the cake: Netrebko is a beautiful young woman with a movie star
figure. She looks as gorgeous in this role as she sounds.
The rest of the cast is right up to her level -- there's not a single weak
link. Not just good voices, but amazing ones. Vatalij Kowaljow's Raimondo
has to be heard to be believed. Such beauty of tone along with almost
superhuman power ... he seems to have a 1000 watt amplifier in his chest.
Franco Vassallo brings just the right echt-Italian contribution to the
proceedings, also with power, gorgeous tone, and thrilling, ringing high
notes.
The orchestra plays as if on fire, conducted by Julius Rudel with a youthful
passion that belies his advanced years.
If you miss this show, at least try to catch these fine singers in something
else. You will not be disappointed. I have a feeling Netrebko has jumped
to the top of everyone's wish list for their next LUCIA.

[Sweevil]

Oops. Franco Vassallo sings Enrico, while Jose Bros sings Edgardo. They
are both superb.

Post by Sweevil
Last night I saw the new LA Opera LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR. It is stupendous.
Young Russian soprano Anna Netrebko is making her debut in the part, and
from now on I wager she'll be the Lucia to beat.
An astonishing performance, beautifully sung and acted, with every note of
the wickedly difficult coloratura passages gorgeously in place, along with
lots of power and a haunting piannissimo she has perfect control over.

The

Post by Sweevil
icing on the cake: Netrebko is a beautiful young woman with a movie star
figure. She looks as gorgeous in this role as she sounds.
The rest of the cast is right up to her level -- there's not a single weak
link. Not just good voices, but amazing ones. Vatalij Kowaljow's Raimondo
has to be heard to be believed. Such beauty of tone along with almost
superhuman power ... he seems to have a 1000 watt amplifier in his chest.
Franco Vassallo brings just the right echt-Italian contribution to the
proceedings, also with power, gorgeous tone, and thrilling, ringing high
notes.
The orchestra plays as if on fire, conducted by Julius Rudel with a youthful
passion that belies his advanced years.
If you miss this show, at least try to catch these fine singers in something
else. You will not be disappointed. I have a feeling Netrebko has jumped
to the top of everyone's wish list for their next LUCIA.

[f***@gmail.com]

ciao