by Paul J. Pelkonen
She's looking for a few good men:
Maria Guleghina returns in Turandot.
Photo by Marty Sohl © 2008 The Metropolitan Opera.
With its over-the top sets, gold filigree and elaborate costumes, the Met's Turandot (revived here for the first time in two years) is a throwback to the '80s, when Franco Zeffirelli's theatrical sensibilities made Sybil Harrington's operatic fantasies come to life.
Turandot is fantasy, an Italianate fairy tale set in a mythical version of the court of the Chinese emperor. The Princess Turandot has offered herself for marriage at a fearsome cost: any man who woos her must answer three difficult riddles, or else lose his head. The Unknown Prince (Calaf) arrives in Peking to stop the slaughter and win the Princess.
While the Zeffirelli staging of Turandot has its problems (including a set that's so deep that it's almost impossible to see important plot points from the Family Circle seats), it is still a gorgeous staging and a vehicle for a star soprano. Once again, Maria Guleghina takes on the role of Puccini's ice princess. Marco Berti sings Calaf.
This is Puccini's last opera, left unfinished at the composer's untimely death. The music is quite unlike his earlier work, with authentic Chinese folk melodies serving as leitmotifs and elaborate orchestration that at times, verges on atonality. It is also the most recent opera to be regularly performed as part of the standard repertory.
Turandot opens Sept. 25.
Recording Recommendations:
Turandot is a plum role, and widely recorded. Here are two classics.
Orchestra and Chorus of the Academy of St. Cecilia, Rome cond. Erich Leinsdorf
Turandot: Birgit Nilsson
Calaf: Jussi Björling
Líu: Renata Tebaldi
Here it is, folks--the battle of Sweden. Jussi Björling and Birgit Nilsson square off in the Riddle scene in a sing-off for the ages. This is one of Nilsson's two Turandot recordings. The other, on EMI with Franco Corelli as the Unknown Prince, has even more testosterone.
London Philharmonic Orchestra cond. Zubin Mehta (Decca. 1972)
Turandot: Joan Sutherland
Calaf: Luciano Pavarotti
Líu: Montserrat Caballe
Luciano Pavarotti made "Nessun dorma" a trademark in his later years, even going so far as to lip-synch the aria at the opening of the 2004 Olympics in Turin. On this 1972 recording, hear why he was a great Calaf, with a full, rich register and a sweet tone that could melt the heart of any Chinese princess. La Stupenda (that's Dame Joan Sutherland to you non-opera geeks) lives up to her name, producing a studio performance of grace and power.
Return to the Superconductor 2012-2013 Metropolitan Opera Season Preview.
Contact the author: E-mail Superconductor editor Paul Pelkonen.
