Classical and Jazz: Review - Il Barbiere di Siviglia at the Royal Opera House until February 8
Published: 20 January, 2011
by SEBASTIAN TAYLOR
A DELECTABLE olive tree in front of a bewitching backdrop of sky and crescent moon... I’ve always wondered what happens to the scenery, props and costumes used in productions such as this. Guess what? They’re used in revivals.
If you missed Moshe Leiser and Patrice Caurier’s production of Rossini’s Il Barbiere di Seviglia at the Royal Opera House in 2005 and its revival in 2009, go and see it this time. You will not be disappointed. If you saw it then, go again. It is even better.
Conductor Rory Macdonald replaced Mark Elder for one performance first time round. Under his baton, this time the orchestra, after a slightly hesitant start to the overture, produced a sparkling accompaniment to the exceptionally consistent fine singing.
Levente Molnar from Transylvania makes a brilliant Figaro. It’s not just his commanding voice – his fiery red hair and beard match his manner and temperament.
John Osborn, as Almaviva, is believable as a lover, although it is hard to imagine Rosina being able to sleep through his singing in the first scene and the entire hullabaloo that goes with it.
Aleksandra Kurzak is completely captivating as Rosina, with her vocal gymnastics scaling amazing heights, and it seems unlikely any guardian could keep her locked up for long!
This is truly a delightful “opera buffa” with many extra comic touches. You have eight more chances to see this gorgeous show, which runs until February 8.
• Il Barbiere di Seviglia, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, WC2. Tickets £8-£88. Box office 020 7304 4000, www.roh.org.uk