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| The Stage, 12.12.06 |
| By George Hall |
Bizét: Carmen, Royal Opera House, London, 8 December 2006
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Carmen
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 Amazingly, it has been 12 years since Covent
Garden last staged the most popular of all operas, but Francesca Zambello’s
intelligent, finely crafted production, together with superbly lucid
conducting from Antonio Pappano, bring Carmen back with a vengeance.
No weak links in the cast. Anna Caterina Antonacci seems equally at home
here in the mezzo register as she is singing as a nominal soprano; her gypsy
girl is sexy, determined and packed with personality. She is well matched
by the Don Jose of German tenor Jonas Kaufmann, whose voice may lack a
heroic ring but who paces himself beautifully. His character study is
complex and rewarding, and his Flower Song a highlight.
Italian baritone Ildebrando D’Arcangelo cuts a striking figure as Escamillo,
his macho manner balanced by some vital charm. Norah Amsellem’s gauche
Micaela offers the perfect foil to Antonacci’s raunchier femme fatale. Every
one of the smaller roles is vividly presented, with Jacques Imbrailo’s
Morales and Matthew Rose’s Zuniga particularly strong.
Tanya McCallin’s adaptable unit set conjures up a heat-and-light-filled
Spain and its ease of movement helps ensure a pacey evening. There is plenty
of activity from the chorus, the kids, and even a few animals, keeping the
eye busy throughout, but Zambello never goes over the top, focusing
brilliantly on essentials where needed. The result, executed with panache by
the entire company, is a nigh-on perfect realisation of Bizet’s masterpiece
that should stand the Royal Opera in good stead for many years.
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