Don Giovanni - Royal Opera House, 21 February 2012
Francesca Zambello's witless, charmless, tasteless production hasn't improved with age. But great performers can redeem even the most idiotic of stagings - and frequently have to in these parts. If Erwin Schrott isn't the finest Don Giovanni around right now I'll eat my pants. Yours too.
Lucrezia Borgia - Nationaltheater Munich, 25 July 2011
Created two years ago as a star vehicle for the eternal Edita Gruberova, Christof Loy's production is well-known to those interested in such things via the DVD which appeared soon afterwards. Loy's latterday predilection for monochrome, minimalist sets is manifested in a stage that remains resolutely bare except for the occasional chair. But then who goes to the opera to admire the furniture (apart from Amazon reviewers)?
Die Entführung aus dem Serail - Nationaltheater Munich, 11 July 2011
Die Entführung remains a staple of German opera houses, however high the risk of inflaming racial sensitivities with its provocative libretto. They just can't not do it. Another reason Martin Duncan's bland 2003 production was revived, presumably, is this year's Munich Opera Festival theme of freedom and imprisonment, into which it slots nicely.
L'elisir d'amore - National Theatre Munich, 21 July 2010
Of course I knew (a few hours) in advance. But it seemed from the collective gasp that many were taken by surprise when it was announced that illness prevented Rolando Villazon from appearing and Pavol Breslik, having arrived just an hour before from a Salzburg rehearsal, would be taking his place. I probably wouldn't have booked for one of my least favourite operas (long sold out) if it wasn't for the scheduled appearance of one of my most favourite singers. It seemed from the widespread booing when Rolando's name was announced that many others wouldn't have either.
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