Review: Mozart’s Così fan tutte at the Vienna State Opera
British conductor Alexander Soddy led a production of Mozart’s Così fan tutte at the Vienna State Opera, according to critic Sabine Längle. Soddy, who also performed on the hammer clavichord during the recitatives, is noted for a precision and cohesion Längle compares to the historical standards of Karl Böhm and Riccardo Muti.
How did Alexander Soddy approach the Mozart score?
Soddy used specific tempi to drive the narrative forward, according to Längle. The conductor and orchestra balanced these urgent moments with fluid, slower passages, such as Fiordiligi’s “Per pietà.” Längle reports that this approach provided the characters with distinct profiles and avoided boredom.
Who were the lead performers in the production?
The cast featured Ukrainian soprano Olga Kulchynska as Fiordiligi, whom Längle describes as having a strong, dramatic timbre, though she lacked agility in coloratura passages. American mezzo-soprano Angela Brower played Dorabella with a “classically beautiful” Mozart voice, while Maria Nazarova performed as Despina after stepping in as Susanna for the premiere.
The male leads included Filipe Manu, a New Zealand-born tenor with Tongan roots and a Viñas competition winner, as Ferrando. Peter Kellner performed the role of Guglielmo as a bass-baritone, and Christopher Maltman played Don Alfonso. Längle notes that Maltman functioned as a director within the staging, occasionally pausing while singing to guide the action.
What was the impact of Barrie Kosky’s direction?
Director Barrie Kosky required the performers to move continuously in vertical and horizontal patterns across the Vienna State Opera’s large stage. Längle asserts that this “urge and compulsion” to move did not always benefit the singers’ vocal legato.
What are the future implications for the cast?
Filipe Manu is currently working to establish himself on international stages as a lyric tenor. Längle suggests that his future success could depend on wise career management and guidance, noting that his voice is not yet very large and some high notes lacked freedom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who conducted the performance of Così fan tutte?
The production was conducted by British conductor Alexander Soddy, who also played the hammer clavichord for the recitativi secchi.
Which singers were highlighted for their vocal quality?
Olga Kulchynska was noted for her dramatic timbre and piano culture, while Angela Brower was praised for her classically round mezzo-soprano voice.
What unusual prop was used in the first act?
Tenor Filipe Manu used a bicycle on stage during the first act of the performance.
How do you feel about the balance between physical movement and vocal precision in modern opera staging?