Musically, this is a superb production - not only entirely faithful to the sublime score, but shot through with a fire and intensity that is thrilling. Superbly sung, all the many principle roles are cast from strength. Merritt was always the best Arnold, and the only one in my experience (I have around 50 performances of Tell) to sing it totally uncut. Studer knocks off the glittery coloratura of her big Act III scene admirably and Zancanaro is a tower of vocal and dramatic strength. I have nothing to say about the musical aspects of this performances that are not complimentary.
Scenically though, it's as awful as only this type of Euro Trash production can be. Visually, this contemptible production is at war with Rossini's music from start to finish. All the principles are dressed to be as unattractive as possible (Merritt looks like a singing hedgehog, for instance) and for the most part are directed to stand around. The national geographic photo montages that pass for decor would be merely laughable if they weren't so overwhelmingly in your face at every moment. The actual sets - church pews, I believe, limit the possibilities of stage action to trooping in and sitting down, then standing up and trooping out.
The ballets - probably the loveliest in any opera - are grotesquely choreographed, with the girls and boys hideously dressed. To think that August Bournonville's choreography for these dances still exists and La Scala chose to go with this crap instead!
And, finally, this production does not look as it does because of lack of funds - it is by choice. Euro Trash, in action. The 'director', you see, has a 'concept' and that it is at total war with everything Rossini's masterpiece is, means nothing. Look at the parody of La Vestale, or the even more disgusting Mose for corroboration. La Scala could easily have provided Tell with an appropriate, and a gorgeous, production but did this instead, and purposely.
Bravi to the artists, go to hell to the designer and director.
Buy the CDs instead.
Scenically though, it's as awful as only this type of Euro Trash production can be. Visually, this contemptible production is at war with Rossini's music from start to finish. All the principles are dressed to be as unattractive as possible (Merritt looks like a singing hedgehog, for instance) and for the most part are directed to stand around. The national geographic photo montages that pass for decor would be merely laughable if they weren't so overwhelmingly in your face at every moment. The actual sets - church pews, I believe, limit the possibilities of stage action to trooping in and sitting down, then standing up and trooping out.
The ballets - probably the loveliest in any opera - are grotesquely choreographed, with the girls and boys hideously dressed. To think that August Bournonville's choreography for these dances still exists and La Scala chose to go with this crap instead!
And, finally, this production does not look as it does because of lack of funds - it is by choice. Euro Trash, in action. The 'director', you see, has a 'concept' and that it is at total war with everything Rossini's masterpiece is, means nothing. Look at the parody of La Vestale, or the even more disgusting Mose for corroboration. La Scala could easily have provided Tell with an appropriate, and a gorgeous, production but did this instead, and purposely.
Bravi to the artists, go to hell to the designer and director.
Buy the CDs instead.