|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| MusicWeb International, June 25, 2011 |
| José MªIrurzun |
|
|
|
Beethoven: Fidelio, Valencia, 22. Juni 2011 |
|
|
Valencia’s Fidelio: Value Added With Jonas Kaufmann
|
|
|
 I
have come back to Valencia to see Fidelio again, but on this opportunity
with the presence of Jonas Kaufmann as Florestan in a one-off performance.
The trip was worth it.
In life it often happens that someone’s
misfortune coincides with the joy of others, and it is not unusual that the
reason is the same for both situations. The fact that stars like Anna
Netrebko, Jonas Kaufmann and Joseph Calleja decided to cancel their presence
in the Metropolitan tour to Japan, fearing – however irrationally – an
errant irradiating ray, is the misfortune for Japan opera lovers – but
unexpected joy for others.
A few days back Zurich decided overnight
to cancel the last performances of Anna Bolena and offer in its place La
Boheme. The fact that Elina Garanca cancelled her appearance as Giovanna
Seymour combined with the unexpected availability of Jonas Kaufmann were the
reasons for this – successful, as it turned out – switch.
Valencia also benefitted from the Japanes MET-fallout, as Jonas Kaufmann
became available as Florestan for one performance. His was a genuine display
of vocal beauty, power and dramatic singing. The way he addressed God in the
opening of Act II was breathtaking. His “Gott” lasted an eternity, beginning
in a whisper, as if Florestan didn’t dare to awake God, to open his sound in
such a way that God had no choice but to have Florestan saved by his wife
Leonore. Many times I have seen tenors go under in this most difficult aria,
but Kaufmann was like a consummate surfer, dominating the even the steepest
waves with overwhelming ease. When will we see this magnificent singer again
in Spain?
Zubin Mehta was even better than at the premiere
[S&H review here]. I don’t know whether the presence of Jonas Kaufmann
motivated him, but this Fidelio was brilliant and moving as I cannot
remember any other. Jennifer Wilson, spurred on, was also a more powerful
Leonore than at the premiere. A terrific night, indeed.
Picture: Palau de les Arts, © Tato Baeza
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
