I wouldn't recommend this as a first Rheingold, nor a second, nor a third. This is for people who have seen a number of more traditional Rheingolds over the years and yearn for something new.
Positives are the rhine maidens doing underwater aquatics in the first act. Quite visual and sexy. Not bad singing either. Also, stunning graphics projected on the rear screen giving a very sci-fi futuristic feeling to the backgrounds.
Placing principals in giant robots is more problematic. Gives visual interest to what otherwise might be static scenes, but hampers action. Principals do not move at all, just stage hands moving the robots. The giants cannot grab hold of Freia except in a very clumsy way. When Fafner kills Fasolt it is done with a crude bump from one robot to another. Not very convincing. When Alberich "changes" into a dragon or a frog, there is no attempt to make it appear as though it is actually happening on stage. When Alberich is captured, tied up, then later released, it really doesn't happen at all. He just stands there, unfettered, singing about being captured.
The orchestra under Zubin Mehta creates glorious sound, but in a rather stilted way, slowing down for robot action, stopping to await the raising or lowering of a platform.
The best part of the disc, really, is the travelogue of Valencia and the magnificent, futuristic Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia. It was a delight to watch the free, outside venue where thousands of spectators observe La Fura dels Baus's street-theatre-trained actor-acrobats providing props and background for the action.
(6 customers reviews)
Customers Rating=4.0 / 5.0
More Detail For Wagner Das Rheingold Blu ray
No comments:
Post a Comment