Il Trovatore Margit Island Theatre Budapest
28th July 2017
A jolly good performance of this in a super setting with perfect weather. I did not expect it to be a fully staged performance. Thought just concert performance. Production decently traditional that told the story well but rather to much of ‘hand in shoulder/look meaningfully into eyes/hold/move’ simple but effective us of coloured lights for mood and finale with stage in red and Biloxi fires cloth at very back rather good…neat compromise between realism and symbolism. Walls with twisted sculptural figures on them provided constant backdrop with all else being effectively used realistic props. Liked use of passageway behind wall at back of stage when white-cowled monks made their way across in Miserere…although did wonder afterwards if this feature could have had more made of it.
Amplification very good ( i.e. not honestly aware of it although must b there) and orchestra tightly vivid.
And now for the singers.
Krisztian Cser was resonant and an excellent Ferrando who got more relaxed and convincing as actor as evening progressed. Mihaly Kalmandy very fine di Luna. He had an excellent line and as with Ferrando, markedly and quickly improved throughout. Not world’s. greatest actor though..but think this difficult with opera like this in a traditional production. Top of voice tiny bit strained but IS a tough role. Ildiko Komlosi was an excellent Azucena. She had great intense presence and first rate voice ( tone and timbre) for role. She was a good actress too.
Ricardo Massi was a very powerful and sweet voiced Manrico who was very well matched by excellent Dinera Alieva as Leonora. They met all taxing demands of role with great musical and technical assuredness.
All in all excellent evening and confirmed excellent standard of our Opera company… assume this cast that doing a run of performances in new season…