The Coronation of Poppea: Miklos Banffy Theatre, Eiffel Opera Studio, Budapest, May 24th 2024

No trailer.

This was an interesting experiment that I felt, did not quite come off. The music had been partially re-arranged and with additions from a contemporary Hungarian composer Mate Bella. While this initially was entertainingly ear-opening, as it progressed, mixed with aspects of the original, I found myself puzzled by why and when these changes were happening. They did not seem to make overall musico-dramatic sense and appeared and disappeared for no apparent reason. But it was interesting, and significant that the musical highlight - the great final duet between Nero and Poppea - was performed absolutely authentically and as sparely as possible with nothing more than a cello continue and harpsichord.

Then performances, (all?) by students of the Liszt Academy were excellent however and it was there individual performances which engaged me most, rather than the dramatic arc across the whole piece. Bu,t good to see something like this being done, of course.

 

Fra Diavalo: Miklos Banffy Theatre, Eiffel Opera Studio, Budapest. May 23rd 2024