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Nabucco
- 2000
Triumph
of artistic endeavour
NABUCCO was the
first of Verdi's operas to bring the composer real recognition
of his talents and it brought to the world one of the most haunting
of choral compositions, the Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves.
Last week Kentish Opera presented the work
at the Churchill
Theatre in a new production that was a triumph of artistic endeavour.
The performances in the leading roles brought a special quality
to the opening night. Soprano Elaine McKrill, in particular,
generated a great sense of evil as the slave Abigaille whose
desire for power blinds her to the true nature of the appalling
deeds she commits. It was a dynamic portrayal, mesmeric in its
intensity and faultless in its interpretation.
It also provided a powerful contrast to the performance of mezzo-soprano
Pauline Birchall as Nabucco's daughter, Fenena, radiating gentleness
and compassion.
Dominated
The rich bass-baritone
and acting talent of Gary Coward brought a great presence to
the role of Zaccaria, high priest of the Hebrews. He dominated
every scene in which he appeared. Baritone Michael Fitchew, too,
was ideally cast as Nabucco, whose constantly shifting moods
were expressed with considerable skill. Tenor Matthew Elton Thomas
also made an impact as Ismaele.
Kentish Opera has exceptional talent in its artistic director
Sally Langford, who manages to draw pulsating performances even
from those actors in the most insignificant roles; the members
of the chorus were involved in every part of the action and the
quality of their singing added a special dimension to the production.
Even though Enid Strutt's' atmospheric set design provided the
main background for each of the four acts, comparatively simple
changes allowed the scenes to move from location to location
with an equally real sense of place. With the help of a fine
orchestra conducted by Stephen Harris and excellent costumes
from Carol Stephenson, this production was professional at every
level, absorbing and artistically rewarding throughout.
ROY ATTERBURY
Kentish Times 20th April 2000
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