Ruggero Leoncavallo: Pagliacci • Theater Orchestra Biel Solothurn in the Solothurn City Theater • Solothurn premiere: February 29, 2024
(3rd performance • Biel premiere on February 23, 2024)
Everything is just right
With the staging of the «Clowns» Theater Orchestra Biel Solothurn (TOBS) has succeeded again. Everything about this production is just right.
With the separation of the usual double pack «Rusticana Cavalry» – «Clowns» has artistic director and director Dieter Kaegi A decision that was perhaps unusual but absolutely useful for the work was made. Useful for his work, because he has not succumbed to the temptation that «Clowns» to combine with another work. What’s more, it shows that the work needs no combination and, if taken seriously, stands alone as a fully valid opera. Kägi sets his production in the circus environment of a modern era that is difficult to define. From the last years of Leoncavallo and Enrico Caruso’s lives to the present, everything seems possible. After the prologue Leoncavallo’s Canzone «MorningInserting » fits perfectly, because Leoncavallo composed it in 1904 for Enrico Caruso, who would quickly become the most important interpreter of Canio. Tenor Joel Montero sings the aria in a tailcoat and with a large, white handkerchief in his hand: just as we know it from another great tenor, Luciano Pavarotti. Kägi is one of those directors who read the libretto and take it seriously, and so he directs the production closely to the text (which the composer Leoncavallo had written himself) and thus offers the soloists the basis without scenic distractions and entirely in the spirit of verismo with the figures presented to them, in which everything is already laid out, to become one. Dirk Hofacker (Set design and costumes) put a circus ring on the stage for Kägi, with the choir representing the audience. Through this duplication, the viewer can observe himself, alongside the action. The roof of the tent is represented by a video overlay, which transforms into psychedelic images when Canio speaks of “memory” in the prologue. Damien Liger choreographs the guests and circus artists (Pagliacci: Andrea Vergara, Vincent Guihéneuf), but doesn’t shy away from an empty ring (to «Wear the jacket“) back. Mario Bosemann puts all of this in perspective.
Photo © Joel Schweizer
The Symphony Orchestra Biel Solothurn under the musical direction of Alexandra Cravero Leoncavallo’s superbly orchestrated score is implemented in a slim, early summer style. No oppressive noise, the music doesn’t sweat: the sound always remains clear and pleasantly fresh.
The Chor TOBS (Chorus direction: Valentin Vassilev) gives a wonderfully expectant circus audience.
Once again, TOBS has succeeded in casting the main roles in an extremely balanced manner and ideal for the intimate atmosphere of the Solothurn theater. Uyar Serenadewho was already at TOBS as Laura (“The Rhine Fairies»), Šárka und Abigaille («Nabucco») thrilled, triumphed as Nedda. With a wonderfully full soprano, capable of dramatic outbursts as well as intimate moments, and great stage presence, she plays Nedda in the spirit of verismo. Joel Montero lends his strong tenor with that certain “something” to Canio and conveys the conflict of this character wonderfully. With Tonio Michele Govi another large part of the baritone repertoire was developed. The career of this pillar of the TOBS ensemble is characterized by a clever choice of roles that always suit her age and voice. And so his wonderfully warm baritone was played perfectly this evening and the role was performed with immense stage presence. Leonardo Galeazzi As Silvio, he acts on an equal footing with his partners. Konstantin Nazlamov complements the phenomenal ensemble as Peppe.
Bester Verismo!
Performance dates Biel (Nebia Biel):
Tue. March 12, 2024, 7:30 p.m.; Thu. March 14, 2024, 7:30 p.m.;Fri. April 19, 2024, 7:30 p.m. Sun. April 21, 2024, 5:00 p.m.
Solothurn performance dates (Solothurn City Theater):
Sat. March 2, 2024, 7:00 p.m.; Wed March 6, 2024, 7:30 p.m.; Fri. March 8, 2024, 7:30 p.m.; Sun April 28, 2024, 5:00 p.m.;
Mi. 01.05.2024, 19:30.
External performances:
Tuesday, March 5, 2024, 7:30 p.m. in the Olten City Theater;
Do. 21.03.2024, 19:30 im Casino Theater Burgdorf;
Sun. March 24, 2024, 5:00 p.m. in the Podium Düdingen.
03/01/2024, Jan Krobot/Zurich
2024-03-02 00:28:25
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