King Priam

[uffeviking]

Rose Lake and King Priam.

It was either bricon or Peter recommending Michael Tippett's romantic 'Rose Lake' during a discussion about bodies of water in classical music. It has been one of my favorite relaxing listening ever since.

Then I read about Tippett's opera 'King Priam' released as a filmed studio production by Nicholas Hytner with the Kent Opera chorus and orchestra conducted by Roger Norrington. Of course I had to have it – and I am still reeling under the impact of this powerhouse. I have been attempting to find a comparison, but there isn't. Certainly no Wagner or Verdi, maybe if Kurosawa would have made his 'Ran' into an opera, it might come close.

But then he would have needed all those superlative singers Hytner had at his disposal. This film was made in 1985 and I am not familiar with any of them, maybe UK opera goers know some. The title role is carried from beginning to end by the overwhelming baritone Rodney Macann, a king in stature, looks and attention-demanding acting. Right by his side is Howard Haskin as his son Paris. There is a voice that had me gasping in disbelief: "Where did he come from?" we need him in Bayreuth,; finally a heldentenor, but I have doubts Wolfgang Wagner would accept a very dark skinned African American native of Kansas City as Siegfried. Everyone of the artists are such good actors, I can't find any more superlatives to describe them. Neil Jenkins as Achilles is frightening in his 'War' cries and the trio of Priam, Hector and Paris is another highlight in 138 minutes of highlights. A treat for not only the ear but also the eye is Christopher Gillett, a young very fine lyrical tenor chosen by Hytner to play Hermes, attired only in gold make-up from hair to toes, including the g-string. All the costumes are neutral, that's the best I can come up with; slacks and shirts, but covered with huge wide robes in muted colours. To emphasize the military theme, the warriors, when going off to battle, don silver helmets and breastplates, or black upper-body armaments. Those simple garments match the sets, mostly bare brick walls, or apartment rooms looking as if an army patrol had completed their search. Most of the time huge, sheet-like white material simulates walls. The entire production emphasizes the black and white atmosphere with the copious flow of bright red blood. A bit gory, but still acceptable, is the celebration over Hector's killing of Achilles's friend Patroclus.

Of course there are the ladies, Andromache, Helen and Hecuba with voices perfectly complementing the super array of males. Given the story of King Priam, the female roles are overshadowed by the array of baritones and tenors. Janet Price is the typical haranguing wife, Hecuba, of a king, reluctant engaging in killing. Tippett populated this opera with so many characters, making it maybe a bit difficult for someone not familiar with the Greeks to keep track of them all. There is also Andromache and Helen, very lovely and expressive actresses with impressive voices.

I have to schedule repeated watching of King Priam to listen to Tippett's music, which was the main reason to the buy the DVD. The action and singing are so gripping it overshadowed, at least for me, the music. Of course my recommendation is to not miss this DVD, my second advice is to securely fasten your seat belt; you'll be on a wild ride!

[uffeviking]

Two photos:

[Wendell_E]

Thanks, Lis.  I've known the first four Tippett operas through recordings for years, and King Priam's always been my favorite.  I can't wait to see this!

[karlhenning]

Priam is one I have long wanted to hear/see.

[Hector]

That's a 'Blast from the Past.'

Given a rough ride by the critics on its first appearance it seems not to have retained a foothold on the repertory.

Bit like 'Troilus and Cressida' in that respect.

[Wendell_E]

I see amazon.com finally has the King Priam DVD listed (for Feb. 26th release).  I ordered it this morning.

[uffeviking]

Wendell you won't regret it! An exceptional operatic experience!

[Wanderer]

A worthy purchase, Wendel, if you're into Tippett. This is not an instantly appealing work, the music is terse and austere and demands some acquaintance for full appreciation (after which, personally, I can't say I found the music particularly inspired); however, the production and singing on this DVD are absolutely first class.

[Wendell_E]

A worthy purchase, Wendel, if you're into Tippett. This is not an instantly appealing work, the music is terse and austere and demands some acquaintance for full appreciation (after which, personally, I can't say I found the music particularly inspired); however, the production and singing on this DVD are absolutely first class.

I've known the work for a long time from Atherton's recording, both its original LP release, and now on CD.  It's always been my favorite of the four Tippett operas I have recordings of (I've never heard New Year) so I'm really looking forward to actually seeing it, even if it's only on DVD.