La Rondine Preview 2012-2013

Kristine Oplais makes her debut in the title role of La Rondine with Italian tenor Giuseppe Filianoti in the role of Ruggero

The Production

The production of La Rondine premiered in January 2009. The directing task went to Nicolas Joel whose production had premiered prior to the Met in London at the Royal Opera House. However during the premiere run Joel did not oversee the production because he suffered a stroke and Stephen Barlow took over the task. The production, set in the 1920's features Ezio Frigerio's Art decos quare colums, furniture out of an Astaire-Rogers musical and wallpaper alive with intricate images. The pavilion on the Riviera to which Magda flees with Ruggero in Act III is a sunny room with aquamarine stained-glass walls and ceiling. When the product premiered critics called it "stunning."   

Met Opera Review: Mozart's Clemenza Satisfies with Stellar Cast

By Francisco Salazar
(For 11/20/12 performance)

La Clemenza di Tito, Mozart's last opera, is rarely performed due to its convoluted plot line, difficult roles and most importantly because it is one opera many consider to be one of his weaker works. However for this year's revival the Met has assembled an incredible ensemble of singers both up and comers and superstars.

The opera tells the story of Vitellia who out of rage decides to take revenge on Tito for not choosing her as his wife. Vitellia asks Sesto, who is in love with her to kill Tito. Once Tito discovers the plot he must decide whether to bring the conspirators to death or forgive them.

The opera was first performed at the Met in 1984 in the current Jean-Pierre Ponnelle production and since has been sporadically performed with the last revival in 2008. The Ponnelle production while traditional still holds up quite well with its lavish backdrops, 18th century costumes and its outstanding lighting effects particularly during the Roman fire. The lights flicker at the beginning as if a fire is about to start and then when the quintet at the end of Act 1 climaxes the lighting gives off the effect that there is a real fire occurring. Another interesting effect is during Vitellia's final aria when the light gives off a chiaroscuro effect where she is confused about the right path to take. Overall there is nothing revolutionary about the production but it does well in telling the story without any distractions and allowing the audience to see the performers' raw emotions.

La Clemenza di Tito opens Tomorrow

Elina Garanca returns to the Met in Jean-Pierre Ponnelle's legendary production of La Clemenza di Tito. Giuseppe Fillianoti and Barbara Frittoli join the cast and Harry Bicket conducts Mozart's last opera seria. 

For more information view our preview linked here. 

For more information on Barbara Frittoli see our Don Giovanni Review linked here.

To see Frittoli and Fillianoti sing in Mozart's Don Giovanni click here.

La Clemenza di Tito Preview 2012-2013 season

 

Jean Pierre Ponnelle 's classic production of La Clemenza di Tito returns for the first time since 2008 with an all star cast that includes Giuseppe Filianoti, Elina Garanca, and Barbara Frittoli.