Verdi - Simon Boccanegra - Alexandru Agache, Kiri Te Kanawa - SoltiTe Kanawa · Agache · Scandiuzzi · Sylvester
Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden
Solti
Verdi's tale of the eponymous medieval Doge of Genoa marries the political and the intimate to dramatic effect, both elements given their full due in this well-sung production led by Sir Georg Solti. Soprano Kiri Te Kanawa stars as Maria/Amelia, the lost daughter of Simon Boccanegra being raised by her grandfather, his bitter political foe. She's in fine voice and acts well, a truly convincing figure, her lovely first aria Come in quest'ora bruna a thing of beauty, and striking sparks in the Council scene and her duets with her lover and her father. Alexandru Agache takes the title role; he's a lyric baritone who's especially convincing in the more intimate moments, as well as a commanding figure whose message of peace and forgiveness ultimately wins over his rebellious patrician opponents. As Gabriele Adorno, tenor Michael Sylvester sings with passion and ringing high notes, while baritone Alan Opie gives as good a portrayal as one might hope for as the villainous Paulo, Simon's false friend who ultimately poisons him. Roberto Scandiuzzi's sonorous bass is an apt vehicle for portraying Simon's chief enemy, Fiesco, and his singing of the great aria Il lacerato spirito is a highlight of the set. Solti's conducting is well-paced, vibrant in the action scenes, warm without excessive lingering in the touching scenes between father and daughter. --Dan Davis
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