L’ORFEO
Libretto by Alessando
Striggio the Younger
English translation
by Anne Ridler
Music by Claudio
Monteverdi
Musical Director:
Peter Tregear
Stage Director: Cate
Clelland
ANU School of Music
August 21, 22 August 2014
Review by Len Power
21 August 2014
The
earliest surviving opera still in the standard repertoire, ‘L'Orfeo’, first
performed in Mantua in 1607, is based on the Greek legend of Orpheus, and depicts
his extraordinary love for Eurydice and the story of his descent into Hades in
a vain attempt to bring his dead bride back to the living world.
Presented
by the ANU School of Music, in collaboration with the School of Art and the
Research School of Astronomy & Astrophysics, ‘L’Orfeo’ was presented at
Llewellyn Hall with stage direction by Cate Clelland and musical direction by
Peter Tregear. The production utilises a specially-commissioned digital set,
designed by Milan-based award-winning Australian digital artist, Andrew Quinn.
There
was fine singing by Nicholas Mulroy as Orfeo, especially in his Act 5
soliloquy. Paul McMahon as Apollo, displayed
a fine dramatic presence as well as singing his role very well. Krystle Inness was in good voice as the
Messenger, as were Rachael Thoms and Veronica Thwaites-Brown as the allegorical
figures, Music and Hope, respectively. Some
of the less experienced soloists sang well but needed to project more. The large chorus sang the complex music with
great assurance. However, it was hard to
understand the words throughout the performance even though it was sung in
English.
The
orchestra, conducted by musical director, Peter Tregear, gave a fine
performance of the score. Lighting by Alessandro
Chiodo added greatly to the atmosphere.
The digital projections by Andrew Quinn were fascinating and used with
restraint. They didn’t always seem to
complement the action but they were especially striking in the heavenly
finale. Choreography by Liz Lea was effective
and nicely performed by her small group of dancers. The staging by Cate Clelland mostly worked
well but the deliberately slow entrances and exits by the chorus were a bit
dull and dreary.
There
have been so many different musical and non-musical versions of the Orpheus
legend over the years and the story continues to fascinate audiences. This production was a great opportunity to
see the earliest surviving musical version.
Peter Tregear and everyone involved in it have done a fine job with this
production.
Originally
broadcast on Artsound FM 92.7 ‘Dress Circle’ showbiz program with Bill Stephens
on Sunday 24 August 2014 from 5pm.