Handel’s Tamerlano from Madrid

[T-C]

Tamerlano is considered as one of Handel's greatest operatic masterpieces. He wrote this opera in the space of twenty days, in July 1724. This was a very productive year for Handel's operas: Gulio Cesare and Rodelinda were written in 1724 too, all three great operas to a libretto by Italian poet Nicola Francesco Haym.

Tamerlano had been recorded a few times. The best CD recording for my taste is the last: A MDG recording that is conducted by George Petru. On the Arthaus label there is a DVD version from the Handel Festival at Halle 2001. The conductor is Trevor Pinnock and stage director is Jonathan Miller. Musically this is an excellent performance, led by Italian mezzo-soprano Monica Bacelli as Tamerlano. But as a stage experience this performance is quite boring, with the singers standing on a small bare stage and singing long dacapo arias almost with no movements.

This month, Opus Arte released a new DVD version for Tamerlano. This is a 2008  production from Teatro Real in Madrid. Stage director is Graham Vick. The stage here is much more interesting, although it almost doesn't change during the opera. It has big white walls in the shape of a semicircle with a number of doors. Stage design is quite minimal but effective and always very esthetic and pleasant to the eye. But the main difference between the directors is in the singer's guidance. With Miller you get 'stand and deliver', almost no interaction between the singers. In Madrid Graham Vick achieved totally other results: all the singers are acting effectively and impressively.

The Orchestra of Teatro Real is playing on modern instruments and is conducted by Paul McCreesh. He definitely knows how to conduct Handel, but I usually prefer HIP instruments in this music. There are a few "authentic" additions to the orchestra in particular in the wind department, flutes, recorders and old stringed instruments like a theorbo.

With respect to the singers – a very special feature of this production is the participation of Placido Domingo. In the age of 68 Domingo does not cease to surprise and he is singing for the first time in a Baroque opera the role of the Turkish sultan Bajazet, one of the greatest roles Handel created for a tenor.

The voice is relatively big and not flexible enough to be an ideal Baroque singer. But although the singing is technically not perfect, it is very impressive first of all on account of the phenomenon – a singer in the age 68 able to sing so, but in addition to this, Domingo, a really great artist brings his rich theatrical experience to portray very convincingly the suffering of the tormented ruler that fights in captivity for his daughter happiness. Luckily, the role is not very difficult...

The leading role – Tamerlano – is sung again by Italian mezzo-soprano Monica Bacelli. She is excellent both in singing (especially in her act III aria) and acting, portraying amusingly the Tartar ruler as an extrovert and capricious man. The role of Androniko, the Greek prince in love with Bajazet's daughter Asteria is sung by Italian contralto Sara Mingardo. She is excellent.

Asteria, Bajazet's daughter is sung by Swedish soprano Ingela Bohlin. She is outstanding. She is a very beautiful woman, with a lovely and angelic voice, and excellent technique. The other two minor roles are more than adequately taken by American soprano Jennifer Holloway as Irene and baritone Luigi di Donato as Leone.

To sum up: Highly recommended for all lovers of Baroque operas. This is a worthy performance for one of Handel's greatest creations.




Irene arrives for the first time..




Placido Domingo as Bajazet






 

[knight66]

TC, Thanks for that. I am surprised about the Miller production. He is normally very interested in the way the characters connect. I assume his concept was for once being driven by a very different idea.

I know almost nothing of this opera; despite as you point out, it coming from the high noon of Handel's operatic output.

The other surprise is Domingo, not one I would hope to meet in this opera. He is certainly to be admired for opening up yet more new roles to perform, instead of relying on a perhaps narrowed, but well trod repertoire.

Mike

[springrite]

I saw this very DVD in a store in Beijing today, when I was roaming around the store because I had arrived too early for a dinner engagement... Hummm...

[T-C]

I am surprised about the Miller production. He is normally very interested in the way the characters connect. I assume his concept was for once being driven by a very different idea.

Mike, from my experience, Miller is a bit unpredictable. There are productions he made which I really liked, but others that were not especially interesting.

I think the 2001 Tamerlano is not one of Miller's greatest achievements. The stage in the Festspiele in Halle is very small, but anyone who is familiar with the Aida production that was filmed at the Teatro Verdi di Busseto in 2001, probably knows what a great opera director (this time Zeffirelli) can do with the smallest stage...

[knight66]

You are right about that Aida, I have been looking for it at a good price for ages. I once saw it and thought it was the best version I had ever seen.

Re Miller, yes, I recall a stupendously boring Zauberflote; all Enlightenment heavy-duty stuff.

Mike

[Brünnhilde forever]

but anyone who is familiar with the Aida production that was filmed at the Teatro Verdi di Busseto in 2001, probably knows what a great opera director (this time Zeffirelli) can do with the smallest stage...

As much as I dislike Zefferelli's productions, when I saw the Aida in Busseto I had to admire what he did with this stupendous opera on a stage the size of my music room. - Well, not quite, but close to it. - Just one of his brilliant ideas: Have some members of the chorus stand center stage, back to the audience, and waving at this imaginary parade of warriors, elephants, prisoners, et al. Ten choristers instead of three hundred extras, three elephants and assorted other lifestock. 

[Rod Corkin]

Tamerlano had been recorded a few times. The best CD recording for my taste is the last: A MDG recording that is conducted by George Petru.

That is an excellent CD, much better than Gardiner's in every way. I have a few choice cuts from it at my site for those interested. A safe purchase if ever there was one...

http://classicalmusicmayhem.freeforums.org/handel-opera-5-giulio-cesare-tamerlano-rodelina-tolomeo-t724.html

[Anne]

Hi,

I clicked on the link you gave us but each time I get an error message saying it can't be found and I should check the spelling to see if it is correct.  I would really like to listen to the samples.

[Rod Corkin]

Hi,

I clicked on the link you gave us but each time I get an error message saying it can't be found and I should check the spelling to see if it is correct.  I would really like to listen to the samples.

Had server issues yesterday, all fixed now.

[Anne]

Had server issues yesterday, all fixed now.

Thank you.