REVIEW
Roberto Devereux, Montecarlo, 1997
Roberto Devereux, Montecarlo, 1997
By Joel Kasow, Culturekiosque
The 53rd opera (1837), Roberto Devereux, is to me the most exciting, its
conciseness approaching the Verdian but with vocal writing for
Elisabetta which rivals that of Norma for difficulty. For the first time
this weekend we are hearing male singing which does not need to be tuned
out. Giuseppe Sabbatini is a tenor of taste with exciting high notes
when required and his acting is not limited to three stock gestures.
Marianna Nicolesco in the title role is an object lesson to any aspiring
singer of how to make the most of reduced means, giving a riveting
performance, far from impeccable vocally but inspired. Gloria Scalchi
was perhaps too passive as Sara but sang an exquisite duet with the
tenor in half voice which some idiot in the audience booed.
© Culturekiosque Publications Ltd
This page was last updated on: July 6, 2003
