Brightness in music, abrupt production
What: Opera 'Rigoletto' by Verdi organized by the ABAO.
From: Bilbao Orkestra Sinfonikoa and Bilboko Opera Abesbatza. Place:
Euskalduna Palace of Bilbao. Date: 23 February.
------------------------------------------------
Spoiler: I'm going to write about a musical miracle that we heard in the Basque Country, although its staging has been forgettable. Whoever writes these lines is not scared by brave scenes, it's not a mindulin or any of that. I cannot bear in mind that under the label of
a supposedly feminist production there is an absolutely machist production, full of images that bring nothing to the fabric, and that all that indicates is contempt for women, offering an absolutely weak and empty image. This whole group of dancers, sometimes naked, did not take place in Rigoletto's story with felation movements, sex scenes. All this brought with it a bad taste and for some viewers probably a senseless interference that would take him away from true musical pleasure.
Having said all this, the truth is that from a purely musical point of view, the Rigoletto presented to us by the ABAO was wonderful. Everything was at its point and all the singers were in a situation of grace, no doubt.
The Mongol baritone Amartuvshin Enkhbat surprised listeners demonstrating excellent voice and interpretation features. In the ABAO at the debut, in this Rigoletto we heard a round voice, perfect in the phraseo, of great strength but at the same time flexible and charming. One of those voices that is rarely enjoyed.
With soprano Sabina Puertolas we can only say good things. It was brilliant in Gilda's role, with the baritone as a wonderful partner, like the spectacular kabbaletta that closes the second act, which had to be repeated in the warm welcome of the public.
I believe that the work of tenor Ismael Jordi was not as acclaimed as it deserved. He played the role of Duke di Mantova, a very elegant tenor, with a particularly beautiful timbre and excellent pronunciation and fraseo. The other soloists didn't fail.
Mezzo Carmen Topciu, in the role of Maddalena, gave a great level. Also Marifé Nogales in the role of Giovanna, Fernando Lator in the role of Count Monterone, José Manuel Díaz as Marullo and Emanuele Cordaro low in the role of Sparafucile.
Daniel Oren’s work at the head of the Bilbao Symphony Orchestra was excellent at all times, with a notable emphasis on each voice. As I said at the beginning, the stage direction of Miguel del Arco was forgotten. Less bad than music cures everything.
Born 7 May 1824. Ludwig Van Beethoven (1770-1827) 9. Premiere of the Symphony. It was the last symphony that the German composer wrote, but as for intention, you can say it was the first. Beethoven wrote Symphony No. 1 in 1799 and 1800, years before he was born in his head No. 9... [+]
In Durango's Hitz bookstore, it occurred to me that the Saturraran opera deserved criticism. On the one hand, the response of Jose Julián Bakedano, the illusion of the words of Gaizka Olabarri from the bookstore, the illusion of Nekane Bereziartua, who for so many years has been... [+]
The concert season of the Basque Orchestra ends with an extraordinary concert at the Baluarte de Pamplona. A nice concert, of those who want to applaud the listeners, with many stays
mulos.El first of these incentives was the Italian soloist Federico Colli, who has won the... [+]
The ABAO 2023/2024 season ends with the title always awaited by the public. One of Puccini's masterpieces is an opera that, despite having heard a thousand times, always arouses intense feelings. Furthermore, on this occasion we have been able to enjoy first-line soloists, who... [+]
As usual in recent seasons, ABAO has prepared a nice recital for the last title of the season, which has served as a prelude. Combining opera and
zarzuela has been a great idea. Because many of us think it wouldn't be a bad idea to ever include some
minor gender title in AO... [+]
Taking into account that in mid-May
ABAO will offer us one of its most beautiful operas, La Bohème, and that this year marks the centenary of his death, I believe that a biographical/artistic explanation of Giacomo Puccini is essential. Of course, among opera lovers, Puccini... [+]
What:
Opera Sequestro de Serrallo (Die Entführung dem Serail) by Mozart organized by the ABAO.
Of: The Basque Symphony Orchestra and the Coros of the Bilbao Opera.
Where: Basque Palace of Bilbao.
When: 20 January.
------------------------------------------------------... [+]
Euskadi Symphony Orchestra
Director: Juraj Valcuha.
Narrator: Dorleta Urretabizkaia
Programme: Works by Copland and Mahler.
Where: Teatro Principal de Vitoria.
When: 15 December.
-------------------------------------------------------
The Euskadi Orchestra has joined the... [+]
Opera Romeo et Juliette de Gounod organized by ABAO.
Soloists: Nadine Sierra, Javier Camarena, Andrzej Filonczyk, Marko Mimica, Anna Alàs Jové, Fernando Latorre, Alejandro del Cerro, Ixaro Mentxaka.
When: 21 October.
Where: Basque Palace of Bilbao.
... [+]
Euskadi Symphony Orchestra
Director: Robert Treviño.
Sociedad Coral de Bilbao
Address: Enrique Azurza.
Soloist: Justina Gringyté (Mezzo).
Programme: 3rd Mahler Symphony.
When: 30 September.
Where: Basque Palace of Bilbao.
---------------------------------------------------... [+]
