Other Links
Editorial Board
- UK Editors
- Roger Jones and John Quinn
Editors for The Americas - Bruce Hodges and Jonathan Spencer Jones
European Editors - Bettina Mara and Jens F Laurson
Consulting Editor - Bill Kenny
Assistant Webmaster -Stan Metzger
Founder - Len Mullenger
Google Site Search
SEEN AND HEARD INTERNATIONAL OPERA REVIEW
Schoenberg, Erwartung: (Concert Version) Orquesta Sinfónica de Madrid. Conductor: Sylvain Cambreling, Deborah Polaski. Teatro Real de Madrid. 4.3.2011 (JMI)
Within its "Great Singers" cycle, Teatro Real presented the
American
soprano Deborah Polaski in a concert version of Schoenberg's one act
opera "Erwartung". The recital was not an obvious fit for this
cycle, considering that the concert's first half consisted entirely
of orchestral music: the prelude to Act III of Paul Dukas' Ariane
et Barbe-Bleue (the
opera will soon play at Barcelona's Liceu) and Maurice Ravel's
Ma Mère l'Oye.
Deborah Polaski has been one of the most important dramatic
sopranos of the past 25 years, having successfully covered the most
demanding repertoire. Now, at 61, she is has encroached on the mezzo
field, the way sopranos go when they lose the high notes. The
artist, of course, is always there.
Deborah Polaski's interpretation of the character of The Woman
was as intimate as chamber recital, and well suited to the abilities
of her aged voice. Age that becomes increasingly notable at any
notes sung above forte. Still, by focusing her interpretation on the
pure expressiveness and intimacy, Deborah Polaski remains remarkably
convincing.
The musical direction was entrusted to Sylvain Cambreling who
made his debut at Teatro Real. His was a nuanced reading of
Schoenberg's score and he got a good sound from the orchestra-a
promising affair given that he will be back in a few months to
conduct Olivier Messiaen's Saint François d'Asisse.
José Mª Irurzun