Tristan und Isolde at the TEATRO COSTANZE which opened on November 14, was Gelmetti’s first appearance conducting the opera in Italy, and his interpretation was well received, rightly so considering the range of nuance, expressive shading and instrumental colour that he drew from the orchestra. Janice Baird made a strong impression as a powerfully sung, intense Isolde. Unfortunately, the tenor Richard Decker (Tristan) took ill during the first act, but decided not to hand over to his second-cast counterpart, who was waiting behind the stage. And so for the entire opera Decker was really no more than a shadow of himself, ruining the opening night. Michele Kalmandy sang Kurwenal with dignity and a nice polished sound. Marianne Cornetti’s Brangaene was tirelessly impulsive, but Rafal Siwek’s King Marke was a little dull and monotonous. Pier ‘Alli’s production featured a series of projections, visions and moderately atmospheric images on a stage that, apart from a few outlines, was quite bare. Despite Decker, the performance was a success, and the rest of the run was sold out; Decker fortunately returned to health, and Baird continued to shine.

LUIGI BELLINGARDI | April 2007