Rusalka

This production by the Paris National Opera is not only for opera buffs. Sung in the original Czech and starring the inimitable American soprano Renee Fleming, it is a feast for the eye and the ear. The production is 'surprisingly' modern with an opening set consisting of a six inch deep pool with real water surrounded by tall walls. This is eerily lit and suggest the depths of the lake the sprites are finding themselves in. Rusalka has fallen in love with a human being and she desires to be turned into a human as well. This could only spell disaster for the water nymph, as the Spirit of the Water warns her, but she summons the witch Jezibaba nevertheless and her wish is fulfilled.

The scene changes constantly with magic sets, all stark and simple yet terribly striking, enhancing the magic and tragic feel. Rusalka's Prince is wooing a Princess from another country....

Antonin Dvorak's music is glorious, Rusalka has the most astonishing arias - which Renee Fleming delivers in a spine-chillingly beautiful fashion - and the other voices, especially baritone Franz Hawlata as L'esprit Du Lac (unfortunately translated as Water Goblin) and Larissa Diadkova as Jezibaba are magnificent. One forgives the Prince for not being fairytale handsome - Ms Fleming being so attractive at that - because of his passion and his timbre. The direction is inventive, innovative and enchanting. The subtitles are easy to follow and anyone with a penchant for drama, mystery, music and love will be swept away by Rusalka's waves. A must see. 10/10