The opera by Thomas was a newfound discovery, and while it doesn't go into my immediate list of favourites it is a treasure. I do also prefer the production with Thomas Hampson and Natalie Dessay, however this is a very good Hamlet, with fine staging particularly the final scene and the mad scene and once again informative and beguiling hosting from Renee Fleming. The costumes and sets are sumptuous yet also have atmosphere, complete with excellent picture and sound quality. The music is wonderful and performed and conducted with no qualms at all. The performances are mostly great. Simon Keenlyside is outstanding in the title role, and Marlis Peterson is a poignant Orphelie and holds her own in her big mad/death scene. Jennifer Larmore puts her rich, creamy voice to perfect use, and excels also meeting the dramatic elements of Gertrude. The only real disappointment for me was James Morris, there are times where he does seem rather wooden and his voice throaty and over-tensed. Still, this Hamlet is very good. 8/10 Bethany Cox
2 Reviews
Dénouement de Covent Garden
Gyran19 July 2011
I see that this is billed as Thomas' Hamlet so that there will be absolutely no confusion in audience minds that they might be watching something remotely related to the Shakespeare play. Actually, I rather like Abroise Thomas' stripped down and sanitised version of Hamlet. Rumours that Hamlet and Ophelia live happily ever after and open a boarding house in Weston-Super-Mare are slightly exaggerated. In fact, the most surprising thing about this production is that they play what is known as the Covent Garden ending. In the original version of the opera, in Paris in 1868, Hamlet does indeed survive. Thomas changed the ending for the London production of 1870, killing off Hamlet in the process, although there seems to be some doubt as to whether this ending was ever performed until the present day.
Simon Keenlyside is outstanding both vocally and dramatically as Hamlet. In fact, I could imagine that he would acquit himself quite well if he ever got the chance to play Shakespeare's Hamlet. Marlis Petersen steps in for the indisposed Natalie Dessay as Ophélie. These are big shoes to fill, since the dramatic highlight of Thomas' opera is the Ophélie's mad scene and suicide. Nobody does mad like Natalie Dessay. Marlis Petersen, a Kate Middleton lookalike in an ivory wedding dress, gives a pleasant but more restrained performance. I was intrigued by the pillow strapped to her stomach to indicate a phantom pregnancy. I loved Jennifer Larmore's bat out of hell Queen Gertrude but I was less impressed with James Morris' rather croaky Claudius.
The production is directed by Patrice Caurier and Moshe Leiser. Pat and Mo always seem to produce their operas on a shoestring. Usually their productions look cheap but sometimes, as in this case, they can be very effective. They use a minimum of scenery which makes the drama flow effectively. The costumes are elaborate so the overall effect is reminiscent of how Shakespeare's Hamlet might be performed at Stratford.
This is a hugely enjoyable account of Thomas' opera and it compares favourably with the previous version that I have seen starring Thomas Hampson and Natalie Dessay. Nevertheless, Simon Keenlyside and Marlis Peterson have nothing like the sexual chemistry of Hampson and Dessay. I think my ideal pairing would be Keenlyside and Dessay. Such a DVD does in fact exist. I really ought to put it on my Christmas list.
Simon Keenlyside is outstanding both vocally and dramatically as Hamlet. In fact, I could imagine that he would acquit himself quite well if he ever got the chance to play Shakespeare's Hamlet. Marlis Petersen steps in for the indisposed Natalie Dessay as Ophélie. These are big shoes to fill, since the dramatic highlight of Thomas' opera is the Ophélie's mad scene and suicide. Nobody does mad like Natalie Dessay. Marlis Petersen, a Kate Middleton lookalike in an ivory wedding dress, gives a pleasant but more restrained performance. I was intrigued by the pillow strapped to her stomach to indicate a phantom pregnancy. I loved Jennifer Larmore's bat out of hell Queen Gertrude but I was less impressed with James Morris' rather croaky Claudius.
The production is directed by Patrice Caurier and Moshe Leiser. Pat and Mo always seem to produce their operas on a shoestring. Usually their productions look cheap but sometimes, as in this case, they can be very effective. They use a minimum of scenery which makes the drama flow effectively. The costumes are elaborate so the overall effect is reminiscent of how Shakespeare's Hamlet might be performed at Stratford.
This is a hugely enjoyable account of Thomas' opera and it compares favourably with the previous version that I have seen starring Thomas Hampson and Natalie Dessay. Nevertheless, Simon Keenlyside and Marlis Peterson have nothing like the sexual chemistry of Hampson and Dessay. I think my ideal pairing would be Keenlyside and Dessay. Such a DVD does in fact exist. I really ought to put it on my Christmas list.
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