Anna Netrebko et Rolando Villazón à Paris (2007)Anna Netrebko, Rolando Villazon, Orchestre National de Belgique & Emmanuel Villaume, Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, Paris, France
1 - C. Gounod: Romeo & Juliette "Ouverture" (Orchestre National de Belgique)
2 - C. Gounod: Romeo & Juliette "Je veux vivre" (Anna Netrebko)
3 - С. Gounod: Polyeucte "Source delicieuse" (Rolando Villazon )
4 - J. Massenet: Manon "Toi! Vous!" (Saint Sulpice) (Anna Netrebko & Rolando Villazon)
5 - P. Tchaikovsky: Eugene Oneguine "Polonaise" (Orchestre National de Belgique)
6 - P. Tchaikovsky: Eugene Oneguine "Kuda, Kuda" (Rolando Villazon)
7 - P. Tchaikovsky: Lolantha "Tvajo malchan je nepan atna" (Anna Netrebko & Rolando Villazon)
8 - G. Bizet: Carmen "Prelude de l'acte IV" (Orchestre National de Belgique)
9 - G. Verdi: La Traviata "E strano... Ah! Fors'e lui... Sempre libera" (Anna Netrebko)
10 - R. Soutullo & J. Vert: La del soto del Parral "Ya mis horas felices" (Rolando Villazon)
11 - F. Moreno-Torroba: Luisa Fernanda "Callate, Corrazon" (Anna Netrebko & Rolando Villazon)
12 - P. Mascagni: Cavalleria Rusticana "Intermezzo" (Orchestre National de Belgique)
13 - A. Ponchielli: II Figliuol Prodigo "II Padre!... Tenda Natal" (Rolando Villazon)
14 - A. Catalani: La Wally "Ebben, ne andro lontana" (Anna Netrebko)
15 - G. Puccini: La Bocheme "O soave fanciulla" (Anna Netrebko & Rolando Villazon)
16 - M. Penella - El Gato Montes "Si torero quiero si..." (Anna Netrebko & Rolando Villazon)
"Rarely have I been as excited to blog about a performance as I am about tonight's concert at the Theatre des Champs-Elysees. Filmed for television, it starred two of opera's hottest stars, with support from a first-rate orchestra and conductor, all performing a no-nonsense program of French, Russian, and Italian opera, as well as Zarzuela...
And, I have to say, I find Netrebko utterly charming. Yes, she is also astonishingly, stunningly, staggeringly beautiful. And Escada and Chopard should win some sort of prize for those shimmering gowns and dazzling jewels...
The first half contained two duets. As Manon in the Act III, Scene 7 duet (St. Sulpice), Netrebko was seductress extraordinaire, and her embrace with Villazon at the scene's conclusion set the room ablaze. She cherished the vocal line with luxurious portamentos. But, yet again, I have to wheel Fleming back in. Fleming sang the part to perfection at the Met on April 8, 2006, in her final complete performance of the role. Musically and dramatically, Netrebko didn't come anywhere close to the subtlely and depth of Fleming's interpretation. As I have said, one could write a dissertation on Fleming's use of dynamics alone in that performance last season. Yes, they are two different singers. But given that they're singing the same repertoire at the same time, it makes sense to compare them.
The duet from Tchaikovsky's Iolantha, however, was rather impressive. I love hearing music that's new to me, and there was much of it on this program. Featuring a prominent use of two harps, the scene contains lush Romantic writing, culminating in triumphant ending..."
