The dramatic pulse certainly runs high in Jonathan Kent’s ROH production,
first seen in 2006 and here receiving its fifth revival under the direction of
Andrew Sinclair. Kent’s approach is characterised by two principals:
tradition and realism. This is no bad thing: we’re given an experience which,
one imagines, must be just as Puccini imagined it — all visual extravagance,
dramatic intensity and musical emotionalism. Kent combines the universality of
the emotional drama with the particularities of the time and place, costume and
setting unambiguously announcing the Napoleonic context.
The opulent rococo interior of Paul Brown’s gilded church of Sant’Andrea
della Valle in Act 1 makes a bold visual statement, its split levels shimmering
in the lavish glow of a multitude of sacred candles. We are behind the high
altar, the crypt visible below; the effect should be one of spaciousness but in
fact the numerous balustrades and balconies restrict the stage space available,
and it feels rather cluttered and overly fussy. Moreover, the chorus are pushed
to the back, which diminishes the impact of the Te Deum.
Scarpia’s sordid study in the Palazzo Farnese is dominated by a huge
statue, a striking symbol of domination and intimidation. The bookcases are
empty, save for the single set of shelves which hide the door to his torture
chamber. In contrast to the baroque splendour of Act 2, the Castel
Sant’Angelo in the final act is more sparsely adorned save for a gigantic
statue fragment that flies aloft. Mark Henderson’s beautiful lighting design
skilfully paint the expressive colours; most strikingly, in Act 2 Henderson
atmospherically conjures the shadowy recesses of Scarpia’s psyche.
The main roles in this production have previously been inhabited by
Gheorghiu, Kaufmann and Terfel — modern operatic titans. But, while there
were no ‘superstars’ this time around, the cast is strong-voiced and
dramatically convincing, and both Amanda Echalaz and Massimo Giordano have of
late established themselves on the international stage, as Tosca and
Cavaradossi respectively. Indeed, having won acclaim on the other side of town,
at ENO and Holland Park, Eschalaz also stood in for the indisposed Gheorghiu at
Covent Garden in 2009.
Echalaz used her weighty voice and full vibrato to portray a Tosca equipped
with feisty self-belief, her petulant exchanges with Cavaradossi in Act 1
revealing a woman who knows her own mind and who has a short emotional fuse.
She was at her best in this opening act, and during her agonised resistance to
Scarpia in Act 2, where her rich legato and dramatic commitment won our full
compassion. Perhaps this Tosca lacked a little of the frail vulnerability which
contrasts with her impetuousness, and which underpins her tragedy? That said,
‘Vissi d’arte’ was quietly understated but deeply felt and affecting, as
Echalaz convincingly conveyed the poignant destruction wrought by Scarpia’s
ruthless cruelty.
Just as Echalaz has visited this production stage before, so Massimo
Giordano also stepped in for the Marcello Giordani back in 2009 and is an
experienced Cavaradossi. Giordano looks and sounds the part: young and
handsome, he can embody the fervent swagger and heroic self-belief of the
painter, and this demeanour is matched by a warm, smooth tone and firm vocal
weight. However, while volume was never prioritised at the expense of dramatic
engagement, Giordano’s characterisation seemed somewhat superficial. There
was much Italianate grace in the tenor’s singing, but also a few unsteady
swoops up to the top: while his big Act 1 aria, ‘Recondita armonia’ was
full of impact, it was low on delicacy and subtlety.
In ‘E lucevan le stelle’ Giordano more successfully balanced power and
feeling, and the moments as he waited for his execution, on the roof of the
Castel Sant’ Angelo were painfully fraught. Together Echalaz and Giordano
told a convincing tale without really tugging at the heart-strings.
Michael Volle’s Scarpia was a more commanding presence, all sneering
contempt and brooding evil. Volle was no cartoon-villain: his gestures were
discreet but his moral ugliness and perverted desires were chillingly apparent.
This was a man as devoid of humanity as his library is barren of books; his Act
2 duet with Echalaz built to an almost unbearable point of psychological
repulsion, as his depravity was exposed for both Tosca and us.
The minor roles were all excellent; well-sung and charismatic. Jeremy White
as the Sacristan engaged naturally and convincingly with the other personnel,
and Hubert Francis was a nastily predatory Spoletta. Best of all, Michael
Clayton-Jolly gave a wonderful rendition of the shepherd boy’s song.
After a rather understated opening, conductor Maurizio Benini revealed a
sure ear for a diversity of Puccinian textures, proving alert to the details of
the score and conveying a strong sense of the grand sweep of the musico-drama.
There was much superb playing from the pit, although I’d have liked a bit
more rawness and concentrated intensity at the climactic heights.
Overall, a revival worth seeing. Musical and dramatic standards are
consistently high, sets and costumes are captivatingly luxurious and, however
familiar, there’s nothing like Tosca to stir the passions.
Claire Seymour
Cast and production information:
Floria Tosca — Amanda Echalaz; Mario Cavaradossi — Massimo Giordano;
Baron Scarpia — Michael Volle; Spoletta — Hubert Francis; Angelotti —
Michel de Souza; Sacristan — Jeremy White; Sciarrone — Jihoon Kim; Gaoler
— John Morrissey; Shepherd Boy — Michael Clayton-Jolly; Conductor —
Maurizio Benini; Chorus and Orchestra of the Royal Opera Chorus; Director —
Jonathan Kent; Designs — Paul Brown; Lighting design — Mark Henderson;
Revival Director — Andrew Sinclair. Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London,
Saturday 2nd March 2013
image=http://www.operatoday.com/Tosca-25-02-13-ROH-30.gif
image_description=Amanda Echalaz as Tosca [Photo by ROH / Kenton]
product=yes
product_title=Tosca, Royal Opera
product_by=A review by Claire Seymour
product_id=Above: Amanda Echalaz as Tosca [Photo by ROH / Kenton]