Il Tabarro is I agree the least-performed of Il Trittico, a very interesting little trilogy of operas, but that doesn't mean it is not good, on the contrary. Of the three with its compact atmosphere, dark yet economical in its tone and structure story and tense harmonies, Il Tabarro is the darkest of the trilogy, with Suor Angelica gentle and sympathetic and Gianni Schicci a witty and deft farce in comparison.
But Il Tabarro is a interesting and fine opera without trying to be Puccini's magnum opus(in my opinion that's Tosca). The characters and story do have bite and credibility, something that is sometimes questionable in Girl of the Golden West(though I do like it) for example. The music are not full of instantly recognisable tunes or instant classics, but it is wonderfully evocative and dark and enhances the atmosphere wonderfully, particularly Nulla Silenzio. And it really helps that it is performed so well by such a dedicated orchestra and to have a conductor who evidently loves his job as much as James Levine does.
The scenery and costumes fit with the opera's mood excellently, and I loved some of the haunting camera angles in the final scene in particular. All three leads are superb both acting and singing-wise. While both Placido Domingo and Teresa Stratas give wonderful performances, singing beautifully and seamlessly embodying their characters, it is Juan Pons in a very chilling performance as Michele who steals the show, just watch his facial expressions or hear his delivery of the music to get an idea how effective he is in the role.
All in all, an excellent production of a quite underrated opera. 9/10 Bethany Cox
But Il Tabarro is a interesting and fine opera without trying to be Puccini's magnum opus(in my opinion that's Tosca). The characters and story do have bite and credibility, something that is sometimes questionable in Girl of the Golden West(though I do like it) for example. The music are not full of instantly recognisable tunes or instant classics, but it is wonderfully evocative and dark and enhances the atmosphere wonderfully, particularly Nulla Silenzio. And it really helps that it is performed so well by such a dedicated orchestra and to have a conductor who evidently loves his job as much as James Levine does.
The scenery and costumes fit with the opera's mood excellently, and I loved some of the haunting camera angles in the final scene in particular. All three leads are superb both acting and singing-wise. While both Placido Domingo and Teresa Stratas give wonderful performances, singing beautifully and seamlessly embodying their characters, it is Juan Pons in a very chilling performance as Michele who steals the show, just watch his facial expressions or hear his delivery of the music to get an idea how effective he is in the role.
All in all, an excellent production of a quite underrated opera. 9/10 Bethany Cox
