Antonio Pappano

This was a magnificently cast production at the Royal Opera House in 2009. The slight disappointment was that Simon Keenlyside, who had been booked to sing Figaro, had to withdraw and was replaced by Pietro Spagnoli. Spagnoli is good, and has the significant advantage of being Italian, but he was just a little overshadowed by the rest of the truly stellar cast. Juan Diego Florez was in superb voice and played the part of Count Almaviva with his customary elan. Alessandro Corbelli and Ferrucio Furlanetto must be gold standards for Bartolo and Don Basilio. One is used to hearing Furlanetto singing rather serious bass roles but he demonstrated here a true flair for comedy. Joyce DiDonato rather upstaged everyone by breaking her leg in a fall on stage on the opening night but, game girl as she is, she finished the run singing from a wheelchair stage front. This didn't affect her voice and, as some rather precious critic suggested, provided a metaphor for Rosina's housebound state. The sets, by Christian Fenouillat, were effective and at times rocked around - no way to put a wheelchair in the thick of the action! Antonio Pappano conducted with his usual enthusiasm and sensitivity and the ROH Orchestra was as good as always.

As a listening experience this would be hard to beat: the wheelchair, although entirely acceptable and even entertaining in the opera house, might become irritating after several viewings but, hey!, you can always close your eyes.… (mehr)