by Paul J. Pelkonen
Photo of Bluebeard's Castle (left) by Krzysztof Bieliński © Teatri Wielki.
Photo of Anna Netrebko in Iolanta by Andrea Kremper © Baden-Baden Festival.
Images courtesy The Metropolitan Opera press department. Photo alteration by the author.
This is an unusual bilingual double bill of two heavyweight one-act operas from two radically different composers: Tchaikovsky and Bartók. The ultimate Russian romantic, Tchaikovsky set Iolanta as his last opera: the tale of a blind princess (Anna Netrebko) whose world is changed with the discovery of a handsome suitor (Piotr Beczala) a new world of sight and color and finally, true love.
Béla Bartók only wrote one opera. But thankfully that opera was Bluebeard's Castle, which chronicles the disastrous wedding night of newlyweds Bluebeard (Mikhail Petrenko) and Judith. With a slow and careful building of dread, the opera chronicles Judith's explorations of her choice in marrying her new husband, and the disturbing and bloody secrets of his mysterious and dreadful home. Bartók's mastery of musical color and a large orchestra make this domestic horror story a feast for the senses.
This new Metropolitan Opera double bill is imported from two European festivals. Iolanta comes from Baden-Baden, while Bluebeard originated at the Teatr Wielki, home of the Polish National Opera. It marks the Met''s first-ever production of Tchaikovsky's Iolanta and the first staging of Bluebeard's Castle in the 21st century. Marusz Trelinski's twin bill is inspired by film noir of the 1940's. Valery Gergiev conducts.
Iolanta and Duke Bluebeard's Castle open on Jan. 26, 2015. Oddly enough, the Live in HD broadcast is scheduled for Feb. 14, 2015: Valentine's Day.
Recording Recommendations:
Iolanta:
Kirov Opera Orchestra and Chorus cond. Valery Gergiev (London/Philips)
Gegam Grigorian, Dmitry Hvorostovsky and Galina Gorchakova were superstars in St. Petersburg and this two-disc account of the 96-minute opera captures all three artists in fine voice. Mr. Gergiev leads a sweeping and emotive account of this lovely and underappreciated score.
Bluebeard's Castle:
Chicago Symphony Orchestra cond. Pierre Boulez (Deutsche Grammophon)
Bluebeard: László Polgár
Judith: Jessye Norman
This searing recording features Mr. Boulez' detail-rich account of the score and the rich tonal color of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at their very best. The bright, brass-driven fanfare at the opening of the central door will probably scare your pets and annoy your neighbors.
Tickets for Iolanta and Bluebeard's Castle are available at MetOperaFamily.Org, by calling (212) 362-6000, or at the box office.
