Tag Archives: Strauss

Die Fledermaus, ENO

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Die Fledermaus is a saucy operetta from Johann Strauss. This classic comedy is centred around a fantasy world influenced heavily by Freud and dream analysis. Highly complex theories translate into a rather confused and complicated, but utterly hilarious, show.

The ENO welcome this new production from Olivier Award-winning director Christopher Alden. Much of the cast are commendable, with a few stand-out performances from Rhian Los as Adele and Richard Burkhard tremendous as the sly Dr Falke. However I found Julia Sporsen rather too much as the over-indulgent and melodramatic Rosalinde, whose rampant dreams in the prelude were unbelievable and laughable even! Jennifer Holloway too looks a bit silly playing the paranoid Russian Prince Orlofsky.

The gorgeous Art Deco inspired staging is a joy – I especially loved the giant clock pendulum that swings ominously from the ceiling. And with the elaborate costume designs from Costance Hoffman, it is quite a spectacle.

It was a shock to not see Edward Gardner at his post in the pit, instead Korean conductor Eun Sun Kim takes to the stand making her ENO debut. I so wanted her to be brilliant but she seemed to be drowning a bit in the orchestra and wasn’t quite able to keep the score afloat. Strauss’ music should be light and dazzling, and some of this joyful quality was lost.

Strauss’ Viennese operetta is full of memorable melodies and lyrical turns, and though aspects of this production fall a little flat, I can’t help admiring the cast and crew for their brave rendition and updated version of this clever classic.

Running until 6 November, book tickets here.

Der Rosenkavalier, Coliseum

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One woman steals the show in ENO’s wonderful production of Strauss’ Der Rosenkavalier – Sarah Connolly is a tremendous Octavian. She gives a whole-hearted performance reprising this famous trouser role, both her singing and acting are a triumph, so natural, believable and witty. Amanda Roocroft also excels as Octavian’s royal lover, the Feldmarschallin, with a radiant and smooth voice that bounces in the Coliseum beautifully.

There is some great comic acting from seasoned opera god Sir John Tomlison as a hilarious Baron Ochs, and Andrew Shore as Herr von Faninal. Also Gwyn Hughes Jones should not be forgotten, his rich and resonant voice soars in the role of the Singer. The sumptuous set provides a fitting backdrop for Strauss’ stylish characters, it is a pleasure to watch.

As for the opera, well I have definitely never seen so much girl on girl kissing and groping on an operatic stage… but the ENO is not one to shy away from bold statements. When I think back to A Dog’s Heart and the rampant lead character, half man half hound, who screams at the audience while stark naked on stage, Rosenkavalier seems tame in comparison.

Be warned this opera is verging on Wagner length, it commences at 6.30pm to allow the epic four hour performance to run its course. I must admit I felt very tired in the final act and yet not bored for one moment – the action is fresh and imaginative throughout, credit to Director and Set Designer David McVicar, an operatic visionary. This production is not new to the Coliseum stage, McVicar premiered it in 2008, and it has enjoyed success ever since.

Edward Gardner is, as usual, exceptional in the pit, conducting his orchestra with gusto and producing a rich and boisterous sound, appropriately triumphant and joyous. It must be pretty exhausting conducting a four hour marathon but Gardner shows unfaltering stamina, boundless energy and musicianship.

This is a spectacular rendition of Strauss’ charming Viennese comedy – only six performances remain so you’ll have to book quick.

Visit the website and book here.