PS Un “blogger” non è un oracolo e commette inevitabilmente errori (il minimo possibile..). Ricevo spesso “correzioni” non sempre fondamentali e non sempre precise. Così come io mi sottopongo al giudizio altrui con nome e cognome così chi vorrà avere la bontà di segnalarmi eventuali errori o imprecisioni dovrà farlo unicamente mandando un commento: a ognuno la propria responsabilità. In base alla nuova normativa chi si fosse iscritto e desidera de-iscriversi è sufficiente che mi invii un messaggio e-mail..

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After the strike. which blocked the “premiere” is eventually staged Othello in the now well staged direction of Mynug Whun Chung which is perhaps the most positive note of the opera. A direction that exalted the musical warp by supporting the singers but also bringing out all the preciousness of the score. A great direction by an expert of this opera who gave the best of himself in  this occasion. In a Byzantine context (a tribute to St. Mark’s Cathedral?) with a profusion of colors, sequins and sumptuous costumes, the tragedy of Othello unfolds. The scenography in some way also reminded me of the palatine chapel in Palermo. The stage is split over two levels. Two large doors open on the sides on the raised one allow the protagonists to gradually enter, while a veil rises and lowers in the center to gradually allow a different background (the starry sky is very beautiful) or mass scenes. On stage, the protagonists are besieged by dancers in tights with sequins that represent the state of mind of the protagonists and, in the case of Othello, make us think of a sort of Erinyes who haunt him, then leading him to the final tragedy. A scenic artifice that does not hurt.  There are also two angels who follow Desdemona (a tribute to her chastity and purity?) and who could have been dispensed with, also because with their wings they unnecessarily clutter the scene.  Overall, the scenography is therefore a bit baroque, a bit overloaded, which in some cases distracts the viewer’s interest from the musical context and ultimately from the protagonists. In deference to the “woke” culture, the Moor of Venice (but it would be better to say of Cyprus given the context) does not have the dark face but the pale one of Francesco Meli. His Othello is technically impeccable but lacks that dramatic depth that should characterize the character.  He lacks that heroic and tragic characteristic that is indispensable and certainly had – historically – Mario del Monaco. This is especially noticeable in the aria “niun mi tema” which is devoid of the tragic pathos of the vanquished that would be indispensable.  Karah Son’s Desdemona was weak and uncertain in the second act but she rose to a better level in the third starting from the “Canzone del Salice”  giving an overall convincing performance in the finale. A difficult part that needs maturation. Among the voices, Luca Micheletti stands out by far in the part of Jago, a great stage presence, a powerful and tragic voice that perfectly renders the wickedness of the character. Certainly the star performer of the show. Good professionalism of the other performers apart from Francesco Marsiglia’s Cassio a little faded and vocally uncertain.  An edition of Otello in the wake of the more traditional ones (but is this a fault in the face of the terrible creative settings à la Michieletto?). Great success of an audience that packed the Fenice in all orders of seats.

PS I would kindly ask the readers of this blog to  register  (which implies nothing) which can be easily made  by “clicking” the black square above each post. By so doing they will receive an e-mail message whenever a new post is published.

PS A “blogger” is not an oracle and inevitably makes errors (the minimum possible..). I often receive “corrections” not always fundamental and not always accurate. Just as I submit myself to the judgement of others with the name and surname so those who want to have the goodness to report errors or inaccuracies will have to do so only by sending a comment: everyone has his own responsibility.

Per un elenco aggiornato di tutti i precedenti  posts di questo blog con i corrispondenti links

PS  Vorrei ringraziare tutti coloro che inseriscono commenti  ai posts utilizzando l’opzione “Lascia un commento”  (o “commenti” se ne sono già stati inseriti) prevista nella sezione sinistra (o prima del testo per schermi ridotti come i tablets) dei posts stessi affinchè tutti possano leggerli.  Il dibattito è sempre interessante per tutti…..grazie (è indispensabile lasciare nome e cognome – i commenti anonimi non saranno pubblicati)!!