VIENNA/State Opera: TURANDOT. Premiere. Everyday food instead of a feast at Sant’Ambrogio. | Online marker

VIENNA/State Opera: TURANDOT premiere on December 7th, 2023

Bogdan Roščić gelang ein spectacular turn of events. Both Asmik Grigorian and Jonas Kaufmann made their international (scenic) role debuts with the premiere of this new production. The first impression: Both appeared overwhelmed with their games. Everyday food instead of a feast at Sant’Ambrogio.

Claus Guth did what he always does and contributed to a scenically unsatisfactory evening.
(Such were the events.)

Jonas Kaufmann, Asmik Grigorian. Photo: Monika Rittershaus/Wiener Staatsoper

Asmik Grigorians formerly lyrical soprano voice lacks the stamina and the for one Turandot required caliber. The lack of involvement of the lower vocal family was once again expressed in shrill tones and barely understandable text. (I said this already.) Jonas Kaufmanns voice sounded flat and insubstantial for most of the evening. This Fodder had especially in the piano noted passages above ride some effort in the of Marco Armiliato Puccini’s orchestral waves ignited true to the score remain audible. Even in Nobody sleeps Kaufmann’s voice sounded pale; strangely expressionless. It no longer blossomed, the concert ended with an invitation to applause or not…

Thomas Prochazka/ www.dermerker.com