Intermezzo

Britain's greatest opera director pimps some product

Above, David McVicar discusses his new Adriana Lecouvreur with the Guardian. Includes a few live clips.

Adriana Lecouvreur at the Royal Opera House

Adriana Lecouvreur - Royal Opera House, 18 November 2010 (first night)

Perhaps it's true what they say about Angela Gheorghiu. At any rate, someone seems to have sucked the blood out of this money-no-object new production. Sure it's professionally crafted, ideally cast and skilfully performed, but then so is Paint Never Dries. 

before teh internets

Jonas Kaufmann followed in legendary footsteps last night: the role of Maurizio was taken at Adriana Lecouvreur's 1902 premiere by none other than Enrico Caruso.

Shortly afterwards Caruso made the above recording of No, più nobile. Although it's part of a duet, there's no soprano on the recording. Caruso is accompanied by the composer himself, Cilea, on piano.

Adriana Lecouvreur in photos

Some photos of the Royal Opera House's new Adriana Lecouvreur, which opened a few hours ago. More (and words) to follow later.

Adriana Lecouvreur images

 

Corbis have a few images from Monday's dress rehearsal. I will post a larger set here when I have time.

Meanwhile - check out the body language at Monday's post-rehearsal signing session.

s3x & violets

As befits a production which will journey to San Francisco and Vienna, David McVicar's new Adriana Lecouvreur is as conservative as David Cameron holding hands with Boris Johnson in a Margaret Thatcher t-shirt. The stage-within-a-stage set is revolutionary only in the sense that it turns round, though I suppose some might regard that as innovation.  Deprived by the pesky libretto of the opportunity to slip in one of his customary orgies, McVicar's only remotely adult tableau consists of a few actresses in eighteenth century underthings. Instead he gets down to the business of telling the story with minimal fannying around.