November 25, 2011
Considering the first performance of The Barber of Seville was staged in 1986, the opera has really stood the test of time. The story begins as Count Almaviva is wooing love interest, Rosina, by serenading her through a window. Determined not to be defeated, the Count enlists Figaro, a barber and factotum, who shall do the matchmaking between the pair. The plot thickens as Figaro learns of Rosina's guardians intentions of marrying her himself. This is a simple age old story of romance, which is told in a comical and light manner from the talented Welsh National Opera.
The cast of this performance were in a league of their own, mesmerising the audience with their talent. At times though, their voices were drowned out by the orchestra at the crescendo of the songs. For me Jacques Imbrailo stole the show as the witty and mischievous barber. Imbrailo provided many light moments as he devised a cunning plan to guarantee that the Count gets his lady, giving the audience plenty of laughs.
The staging was magnificent yet simple, set out as a piazza, with Doctor Bartolo's home and Fiago's barbers shop being the centrepiece of the stage. The cast made good use of the stage and often were positioned on different levels of the set, some higher up in Doctor Bartolo's and Rosina's home, and some situated on the ground level where the barbers shop was positioned. Singers sat on the side of the stage, occasionally wandering around and helping with any set or prop changes. This not only helped speed up any stage adjustments, but also played an important role in audience interaction, as they clapped along with the crowd. Throughout the opera the orchestra played powerful melodies mimicking the mood and tone of the scene. Led by conductor Simon Phillippo, this is really a treat on the ears.
If you love opera you'll love this play, definitely not one to miss out on.
The cast of this performance were in a league of their own, mesmerising the audience with their talent. At times though, their voices were drowned out by the orchestra at the crescendo of the songs. For me Jacques Imbrailo stole the show as the witty and mischievous barber. Imbrailo provided many light moments as he devised a cunning plan to guarantee that the Count gets his lady, giving the audience plenty of laughs.
The staging was magnificent yet simple, set out as a piazza, with Doctor Bartolo's home and Fiago's barbers shop being the centrepiece of the stage. The cast made good use of the stage and often were positioned on different levels of the set, some higher up in Doctor Bartolo's and Rosina's home, and some situated on the ground level where the barbers shop was positioned. Singers sat on the side of the stage, occasionally wandering around and helping with any set or prop changes. This not only helped speed up any stage adjustments, but also played an important role in audience interaction, as they clapped along with the crowd. Throughout the opera the orchestra played powerful melodies mimicking the mood and tone of the scene. Led by conductor Simon Phillippo, this is really a treat on the ears.
If you love opera you'll love this play, definitely not one to miss out on.