Ep 17. Il Trovatore
- January 22, 2016
In episode 17 of season 42 of Great Performances, audiences are treated to a stunning performance of Giuseppe Verdi's classic opera, Il Trovatore. Filmed live at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City, this production features a star-studded cast and impressive set and costume design.
Il Trovatore, which premiered in Rome in 1853, tells the story of a love triangle set against a backdrop of war and revenge. The opera's title, which translates to "The Troubadour," refers to its central character, the troubadour Manrico, who is in love with the noblewoman Leonora. Leonora, however, is desired by the Manrico's enemy, the Count di Luna, who seeks to win her heart and destroy his rival.
The Metropolitan Opera's production of Il Trovatore stars four of the world's leading opera singers in the lead roles. Tenor Yonghoon Lee plays Manrico, a heroic figure who must defend his love and his honor against all odds. Soprano Anna Netrebko portrays Leonora, a passionate and devoted woman torn between two men. Mezzo-soprano Dolora Zajick is the vengeful Azucena, a Gypsy woman whose tragic past has driven her to seek revenge against the Count di Luna. And baritone Dmitri Hvorostovsky is the Count himself, a powerful and menacing figure with a tragic life story of his own.
The production is overseen by director David McVicar, who has brought a cinematic sensibility to the staging. Set designer Charles Edwards has created a lavish and evocative setting for the opera, with massive stone pillars and sweeping staircases that convey the grandeur and drama of the story. Costume designer Brigitte Reiffenstuel has created elegant and detailed costumes that help bring the characters to life.
Musically, the production does justice to Verdi's masterful score, which is filled with memorable arias, duets, and ensemble pieces. Conductor Marco Armiliato leads the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and Chorus in a stirring performance, with Lee, Netrebko, Zajick, and Hvorostovsky all turning in powerful and nuanced vocal performances.
Throughout the opera's four acts, audiences are swept up in a timeless story of love, betrayal, and revenge. From the soaring melodies of Manrico's "Di quella pira" to the haunting beauty of Azucena's "Stride la vampa," this production of Il Trovatore is a tour de force of opera at its best. Whether you're a seasoned opera lover or new to the genre, this is a performance not to be missed.
