Fedora

Published Wednesday 7 June 2006 at 11:15 by George Hall

Giordano’s 1898 opera has always run a poor second to his better known Andrea Chenier and despite some graceful and other passionate moments its score is less striking overall. The composer also has a lot of plot to deal with - the Russian princess of the title unwillingly falls in love with the man who has murdered her fiance and by the time her revenge has struck down his brother and mother she is racked with guilt, and takes poison. Giordano has difficulty getting basic information over to the audience in a way that sustains musical interest. He also presents his leading characters with too few aria opportunities.

Despite the piece’s faults, Opera Holland Park make a decent case for it. John Lloyd Davies’ production to period designs by Bob Bailey maintains a clear narrative and we are able to believe in the characters and their situations.

Yvonne Kenny makes a more than presentable attempt at the title role, bringing some class and stature to the part even if it’s not really her repertoire. A grand Italian diva of the old school is wanted. The Australian tenor Aldo Di Toro is well equipped for the demands of Loris and his strong tone consistently impresses. Both Stephen Gadd’s De Siriex and Natasha Marsh’s Olga make much of their opportunities in supporting roles, while Brad Cohen’s astute conducting brings out the best in the piece itself.