Edgar is never going to be one of my favourite Puccinis. In fact, it is my personal least favourite of Puccini's operas, and that is not because it is exactly bad. The last two acts are great with a gorgeous Requiem in Act 3 and a thrilling final act, however the first act has always come across as awkward and some of the libretto is somewhat illogical in its structure(for example I never did understand the need for Edgar to pretend that he was dead).
This is a very good production and well worth catching. Like the first act of the opera, the production does get off to an uneven start with some parts in the orchestra that sound under-rehearsed, Amarilli Nizza starting off a little awkward dramatically to start with as Fidelia, Julia Gertseva's Tigrana starting off squally and the second act setting all too clean and colourful complete with ghastly costumes for the ladies. However the performances of Jose Cura, Carlo Cigni and Marco Vratogna are very consistent throughout, and it is here where Gertseva significantly is stronger vocally.
Visually, it looks terrific apart from the unauthentic Act 2 setting. It all looks very lush, almost like a meadow with a hilly raked stage and enormous columns. The video directing and picture quality are very good. Musically, it also warms up significantly from the first act. With the orchestral playing the final act is especially fearsomely passionate, and the conducting is mostly spirited. The chorus are at their best in the third act, singing beautifully. The children are also very touching.
Jose Cura, apart from a tendency to croon in his quieter singing, is excellent as Edgar. His top notes are exciting and ringing with less of his habit of scooping from under. And he is suitably intense and heroic. Amarilli Nizza by Act 3 fares considerably better. His Addio, Mio Dolce Amor is enough to sear the soul, and she is very moving as she sings over Edgar and the villagers' shouts. She sings very powerfully. Julia Gertseva from Act 2 and onwards is a thrilling Tigrana. Her voice when it warms up is of great size with an effortless top and a fearless way of singing her music. Her interpretation is part Thais, part Carmen and part Lady Macbeth, all in one thrilling package.
Carlo Cigni is in the role of Gaultiero, which he sings with richness and beauty. He also commands the stage wonderfully and is very heartfelt in his prayer. Frank's role in Edgar is rather small, but Marco Vratogna handles the role very well. His voice is more generous than before, I've known him to be on the coarse side but not here, and he sings with a great amount of feeling. Of the staging, the best was the conclusion, which was incredibly powerful and heart-wrenching. In conclusion, well worth watching partly to get acquainted with the opera and mostly if you like good production values, music and singing, and on the most part that's what this 2008 performance has.
8/10 Bethany Cox
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