Timmie

Thanks Geoff. Definitely the bel canto in this that made me sit up and listen when it was on Sky Arts a few years back – I could not believe what I was hearing, and the cinematic production is very eye-catching, though not to everyone’s taste I guess. I’m not sure if the sound of running water is a good idea anyway during a long opera, so good that’s gone. I’ll be watching the recording tonight so I’ll see if I notice the water on that. Studying the music is a bit out of scope for me but I do like to learn some of the key arias so I can enjoy without needing the surtitles. I’ll get a Redpath ticket and maybe read the book later. Thanks for the tips, appreciated as ever.

It was the ROH Diana Damrau recording of this production that got me into opera and, before I see it live for the first time, I have some questions if I may. In another thread Geoff said that there had been some changes in the recent revivals, any more detail on this please? The production has some split screen effects with a divider allowing different sets either side, does this mean there are any parts of the auditorium where views may be less good? I’m booked to see Nadine Sierra but planning on getting another ticket. Any thoughts on Liv Redpath as Lucia? Or stick with another Nadine Sierra? I did like Sierra very much in L'elisir d'amore. Edit: would it be helpful to read the book beforehand?

I did see Jephtha and unfortunately I was somewhat underwhelmed. The singing was nice enough and the orchestra was clear and crisp but I didn’t feel much drama, the oratorio nature of the work may explain this. I did very much enjoy Alcina last year and Arminio this year so whilst I am an opera newbie I do love Handel, just not this.

I guess it’s hard to do a meaningful comparison and it’ll vary a lot from production to production as well. I was at a socially distanced Magic Flute with lots of empty seats and found the front of the balcony much better acoustically than the back which I guess is the muffling effect of the low ceiling. (Other patrons were very few and the usher was happy for us to move about a bit).

Interesting topic. I haven’t sat in that particular seat but I do find the central region of the amphi to be the best for sound. Amphi F48 is one of my favourites, good sound and end of row. For the reasons JohnS listed I think Stalls H6 is the best seat in the house, never actually sat there though 😞. Worst seat for sound I’ve been in is Orchestra Stalls A29, at the very front and extreme right. Next to all the noisy instruments so I couldn’t hear anything else a lot of the time!

Thanks for mentioning that 🙂. It probably explains why I kept getting mind’s eye images of Marianela Nunez flitting across the stage during last night’s Elisir!

Yes! And I've no idea what Jephtha is about 😁 so I'm looking forward to the Insight on YouTube.

I’m a bit of an opera newbie myself. With what’s on now and soon then definitely L'elisir d'amore is a great starter opera and as said it has the same sort of cheerful feel as La Fille Mal Gardee (I’m going tomorrow 🙂). I’ve also quite surprisingly discovered that I love Handel. Jephtha is coming up so that may be worth a look.

Il Trovatore on BBC Radio Three tonight at 6:30pm. I couldn't believe Jamie Barton’s vocal range in the theatre so I'll be listening to hear that again!

This was really very good last night. My first time seeing Lise Davidsen and she was amazing, she can go really loud 😄. I loved Yulia Matochkina as Princess Eboli, beautiful voice and lovely stage presence, probably the most emotionally involving of the characters for me. Thanks for recommending this Geoff and Scheherezade (and I got the 25% off 👍).

I did see Osipova’s Aurora on Monday and it was really not a MacMillan performance or in any way over dramatised. It was a beautifully nuanced and graceful performance with charming girlish details throughout. It’s the only Sleeping Beauty I’m seeing this run and I am very happy I chose Osipova 🙂.

Thank you for this wonderfully detailed explanation. I’ve seen Osipova a number of times before and this performance as Aurora was unlike those other performances, now I understand why 🙂.

This, exactly. I was also at last night’s performance and knew something was different, but not familiar enough with the choreography to know what precisely. I just know I enjoyed it immensely. Her in-the-momentness just makes it pure joy to watch.

I posted this elsewhere, but in case anyone misses it this is a good offer for ROH streaming: “After your free 14-day trial, you’ll pay just £1 a month for the first 3 months and £9.99 a month thereafter. Plus, you can cancel at any time.” https://checkout.timeout.com/london/1-a-month-for-your-first-three-months-of-royal-opera-house-stream-60470

This is a good offer for ROH streaming: “After your free 14-day trial, you’ll pay just £1 a month for the first 3 months and £9.99 a month thereafter. Plus, you can cancel at any time.” https://checkout.timeout.com/london/1-a-month-for-your-first-three-months-of-royal-opera-house-stream-60470