Tag Archives: Francesco Meli

Scarpia stabbed, Tosca smothered by Livermore’s La Scala staging

Posted on December 8, 2019 by Mark Pullinger

Puccini: Tosca Teatro alla Scala, 7th December 2019 A stone lion pins down its prey in Scarpia’s study, symbolic, no doubt, of the cat-and-mouse game the Chief of Police plays with Tosca in Act 2. But it could also represent … Continue reading →

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Political intrigues at the Royal Opera as Simon Boccanegra returns

Posted on November 16, 2018 by Mark Pullinger

Verdi: Simon Boccanegra **** Royal Opera, 15th November 2018 The air in London is rife with conspiracy, recrimination and infighting. But away from Westminster, political machinations and a baying mob are also at the heart of Simon Boccanegra, returning to the … Continue reading →

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Codes of honour trip up Bechtolf’s Ernani at La Scala

Posted on September 30, 2018 by Mark Pullinger

Verdi: Ernani *** Teatro alla Scala, Milan, 29th September 2018 George Bernard Shaw admired the “fierce noonday sun” of the score to Ernani. “The one with the bandits” evens gets a glancing mention in his play, Arms and the Man. I’m not … Continue reading →

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A rebellious Carmen: Kosky’s vaudeville flawed but entertaining

Posted on March 9, 2018 by Mark Pullinger

Carmen Royal Opera House, 6th & 8th March 2018 If Carmen contends that love is a rebellious bird, then Barrie Kosky is a rebellious director. He can take rarities such as Saul or The Nose and give it the full … Continue reading →

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Hellfire and damnation as Noseda and the LSO blaze through Verdi’s Requiem

Posted on September 19, 2016 by Mark Pullinger

Verdi: Requiem **** LSO/Noseda, Barbican, 18th September 2016 Verdi’s Requiem brings with it a huge sense of occasion. Turned to at times of national tragedy, it communicates an emotional power where the words of politicians frequently fail. It is also … Continue reading →

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