As the Metropolitan Opera re-emerged from its winter recess, it provided its audience with the pleasure of witnessing two contrasting Italian masterworks on stage. The Met’s fresh production of the somberly modern ‘La Forza del Destino’ by Mariusz Treliński graced the stage, soon accompanied by Franco Zeffirelli’s lavishly traditional ‘Turandot.’ These performances showcased the Met’s aptitude to enthrall audiences through a delightful combination of visuals and aural excellence.
The rarely staged ‘Forza’ returned after a notable hiatus, having not been produced by the Met since 2006. A planned 2017 production from Calixto Bieito was canceled without explanation. This iteration saw Polish director Mariusz Treliński aiming to connect the dots of Piave’s vast libretto, portraying a descent into chaos culminating in death and destruction.
Treliński’s opening overture gave audiences a narrative entry point to the performance, setting the tone with Boris Kudliċka’s dynamic set designs. The unfolding drama saw protagonists Leonora and Alvaro, played by Lise Davidsen and Brian Jagde respectively, drawn into a maelstrom of violence ensuing from a fateful, accidental slaying.
The stark world of Treliński’s ‘Forza’ clashes with the original libretto’s lighter characters, reshaping them into something more ominous. The Met’s cast invested themselves fully in the opera, rendering powerful performances and riveting duets that emphasized the tragic narrative.
Lise Davidsen made an impactful debut as Leonora, encompassing a highly-discussed promotional campaign and delivering a poignant portrayal that validated the Met’s faith in her talent.
Conductor Yannick Nézét-Seguin led with precision after some initial stumbles, although cuts in the performance did raise some eyebrows, continuing a pattern observed in other recent Met productions.
In stark contrast, the unveiling of Zeffirelli’s ‘Turandot’ continued to captivate the Met’s audience with its awe-inspiring set design, despite the age of the production. This iteration of Puccini’s work was noted for its debuts and role debuts, including Ukrainian conductor Oksana Lyniv, who impressed with her handling of the opera’s rich tonal landscape.
While the Alfano ending in use at the Met sparked debate on its efficacy, it did little to dampen the enthusiasm for the overall production, featuring Elena Pankratova as a nerve-wrought yet occasionally dazzling Turandot, and SeokJong Baek, who offered a fresh take on Calaf.
FAQs
Q: When is ‘La Forza del Destino’ showing at the Met?
A: ‘La Forza del Destino’ is performed until March 29.
Q: And what about ‘Turandot’?
A: ‘Turandot’ will continue its run at the Met until June 7.
Q: Who are the lead performers in ‘La Forza del Destino’?
A: The lead roles are performed by Lise Davidsen as Leonora and Brian Jagde as Alvaro.
Q: Does Oksana Lyniv conduct ‘Turandot’ for the entire season?
A: Oksana Lyniv conducts the performances of ‘Turandot’ for an unspecified number of shows. Other conductors may take over in subsequent performances.
Conclusion
The Metropolitan Opera’s revival of two iconic operas, ‘La Forza del Destino’ and ‘Turandot,’ highlights the institution’s unwavering commitment to presenting timeless classics alongside fresh interpretations. Audiences have the unique opportunity to dive into contrasting presentations: the modern and stark realism of ‘La Forza del Destino’ versus the grandeur and traditional magnificence of ‘Turandot.’ With breathtaking performances and spell-binding sets, the Met continues to affirm its status as a bastion of remarkable opera experiences.