HD recording of live performance of Zeffirelli’s awesome production at the Metropolitan, this one in the afternoon in week following the performance. As always, this is one of the best ways to experience opera on a grand scale when you cannot see it in person.
This was the first recorded performance of the 2019-20 season, and with two Interludes is a big sitting, but these repeat showings during the day at Aberystwyth Arts Centre include a free tea or coffee in the £16 ticket (and the bar is open all day too!).
The beauty of HD recordings is the unique opportunity to hear from individuals such as Maestro Yannick Nezet-Seguin. He was so enthusiastic during the interview with opera singer Angel Blue (she is starring in Porgy and Bess later in the season) as this is the first time he has conducted Turandot, and is very excited about the role of the Chorus which he loves to feature.
He believes that Puccini wanted to show exotic settings for his operas, but also “tenderness” emerging for the characters although personally this isn’t the element that comes to mind in the cruelty of Turandot! There is also the issue of it being unfinished when Puccini died so it was completed by Carlo Gozzi.
It is a big production, wonderful stage set and sumptuous costumes. Leading characters played by Roberto Aronica, Christine Goerke and the superb Eleonora Buratto as tragic Liu were breathtaking. A lovely production and can’t wait to see the next HD screening of Madame Butterfly in November.