Search - Hector Berlioz, Sarah Caldwell, Orchestra of The Opera Company of Boston :: Berlioz: Benvenuto Cellini

Rough and Tumble Operatic Fun

James S. Eisenberg | 02/11/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This is a wonderfully lively performance. It preserves the strengths AND the weaknesses of a typical Sarah Caldwell production. Caldwell was able to bring stars to Boston in a way that our newer opera companies have not. We have had no one of the stature of a Vickers to take on a title role in recent years. Vickers is, a few high notes aside, in top form and clearly committed to creating a rounded character in this only partially serious work. The frequent applause acknowledges visual coups not immediately apparent to the listener. (The carnival scene and the forging of the statue bring roars of approval from the audience.) Not boring for a second, it also reveals a typically under rehearsed orchestra and chorus. Caldwell's small production budgets often led to a short changing of rehearsal time, and one suspects a prejudice on her part toward the visual over the musical aspects of a stage work. The smaller roles are well cast, and Donald Gramm is absolutely wonderful as the pope.

The sound quality is very good. The straightforward English translation is delivered with beautiful clarity by all of the singers."