Don Quichotte

Don Quichotte is an opera with many fine moments and superb music, especially the final scene, though as far as Massenet goes not quite on the same plane as Manon and Werther. This production is just wonderful and had such an emotional impact on me, much better than the Samuel Ramey production from Paris. There are moments where the staging is on the static side, but it is never anything too serious. The staging of the battle of the wind mills and the final scene are really brilliantly done, and on the most part what is going on on stage fits very well with Quichotte's deteriorating state of mind. The costumes and sets are astonishingly atmospheric and beautifully lit. The musical values are really impressive as well, the orchestral playing is lyrical and full of authority, the cello solo is worthy of a mention as it is very intelligently played, and the chorus do wonders with the demanding music and the like they have to perform. The conducting keeps things moving with no qualms. In what is a poignant end to his final performance on the opera stage, Jose Van Dam is superb as Quichotte. The sincerity of the voice is still there, if understandably lacking the freshness of when he was younger. He is a commanding figure on stage too, embodying the qualities the characters ought to have, especially the nobility. Werner van Mechelen's Riez, Allez is wonderfully sung and is guaranteed to bring tears to your eyes as it did me, while Silvia Tro Santafe sings with a rich voice and her French sparkles, her characterisation is also lovely. All in all, a really moving performance. 9/10 Bethany Cox