There had been difficulties with the setting of Pushkins tale of obsession, betrayed love, the secret of the three cards and, finally, death. So Modest,Tchaikovskys brother, took over and gave the world the opera we all know.
There are some problems with this new production, but this is not perhaps the place to discuss them. We merely have to admire the performance and the production as it stands. And there is much to admire. Stuart Stratfords performance of the score made up in romantic fervour what it lacked in Tchaikovskian melodrama.
The opening scene in the park, Hermann and Lisa seeing each other, and the Love theme rising out of the orchestra; the ensuing discussion between Chekalinsky and Surin of the previous nights gambling: all were wonderful. Excellent performances, too, from from Aled Hall & Omar Ebrahim, even if they did verge on the knock-about.
- Runs until 4 August
- Opera Holland Park