Il Trovatore

Published Monday 8 October 2007 at 15:50 by Jon Holliday

This revival of WNO’s 2003 production will be welcomed by all who appreciate full-blooded airings of traditional grand opera in this the last of the great bel cantos.

Peter Watson’s static staging solves none of the acting or confrontational difficulties, but gives full rein to the expressions of love, hate, delusion and terrible revenge of blood brothers locked in civil war, rivals for the same woman. Despite melodramatic implausibilities and impossible sword play, mercifully there is no updating or desperate gimmickry. With the four principals in splendid voice, solid support in the minor roles, and the chorus at its rousing best, other considerations are insignificant. MD Carlo Rizzi conducts with dynamic relish the on-form orchestra in this outpouring of Verdi’s endlessly inventive genius.

Kate Pellegrino gives a radiant, beautifully toned portrayal of the passionate vulnerable Leonora, while Dennis O’Neill is in fine Italianate voice as Manrico, well matched by the arrogant, not unsympathetic, di Luna of Dario Solari. Anne-Marie Owens provides a fiery Azucena, truly savage yet moving in her maternal love. The nocturnal moodiness throughout is emphasised by the towering stone slab settings of Tim Hatley and the lighting of Davy Cunningham.

The admirable English surtitles (plus Welsh in Wales) make the convoluted plot almost comprehensible. Il Trovatore may not be as popular as it once was, but there remains so much to enjoy in those memorable arias, dramatic ensembles and full-throated choruses staged live.