Monthly Archives: November 2014

Gluck’s Don Juan fails to seduce in the AAM’s Grand Tour

Posted on November 26, 2014 by Mark Pullinger

Academy of Ancient Music *** Milton Court, 25th November 2014 Gluck’s Don Juan was clearly an inspiration to Mozart when composing his operatic version of the tale, Don Giovanni. The anti-hero’s descent into hell even shares the same dark D minor key as … Continue reading →

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On with the motley: Clowns, ruffs and a bullet with Ferrando’s name on it

Posted on November 23, 2014 by Mark Pullinger

Verdi: Il trovatore: DG*** BelAir*** To adopt sporting jargon, Il trovatore comes in for a ‘bit of stick’ in operatic circles. Its plot is frequently held up as an example of how ridiculous opera plots can be and it has … Continue reading →

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Grigolo’s Nemorino intoxicates Covent Garden in L’elisir d’amore

Posted on November 20, 2014 by Mark Pullinger

Donizetti: L’elisir d’amore *** Royal Opera House, 19th November 2014 The cheap Bordeaux masquerading as Dulcamara’s ‘elixir’ seemed to have an intoxicating effect on more than Nemorino last night. Conductor Daniele Rustioni’s zippy tempi – whilst welcome – weren’t always … Continue reading →

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Mild palpitations only in Eichberg’s ‘operatic thriller’ Glare

Posted on November 15, 2014 by Mark Pullinger

Eichberg: Glare *** Linbury Studio, 14th November 2014 An operatic thiller? Can such a thing exist? Søren Nils Eichberg’s opera Glare tries hard to convince, at least initially. An edgy score and a succession of quick scene changes swiftly introduce characters … Continue reading →

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Freiburg Baroque: Fun Mozart – a serious business

Posted on November 14, 2014 by Mark Pullinger

Mozart: Freiburg Baroque Orchestra **** Wigmore Hall, 13th November 2014 Perhaps the best jokers keep the straightest faces. For much of this evening at Wigmore Hall, the body language of the Freiburg Baroque Orchestra portrayed serious musicians going about their … Continue reading →

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