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Magic Emma Matthews, Magic Tunic
Delibes' Lakmé is a charming opera about the love between a Hindu maiden and an English officer during the British Raj. The plot gets a bit silly in Act III but that is excusable, and quite typical of many operas. The work is a bit lacking in subplot and the supporting roles are rather sketchy. Nearly all the memorable music goes to the two lovers but, again, this is not unusual. I am struggling to find reasons why the opera is not performed more often. The music is melodious and sensuous and contains two showstoppers the famous Flower Duet and the Bell Song. I can find only two filmed versions: this one from Opera Australia in 2011 and the Joan Sutherland version recorded in 1976, also by Opera Australia.
This is an opera that could reasonably be updated to modern day Afghanistan, although that would involve a bit of tinkering with the libretto. Both these Australian versions are resolutely traditional with colourful but simple sets and Indian costumes. What is striking is how similar the two productions are, separated by an interval of 35 years. The main difference is that, in 1976, it was considered acceptable to wear dark make-up whereas, in 2011, the Indian characters look very Australian.
The main revelation in this recording is Emma Matthews as Lakmé. She is a new name to me but, looking at her biography, she has done a wide range of heavyweight roles for Opera Australia over the last 20 years. She has a light coloratura with an astonishing high range. If you compare her performance with Joan Sutherland's it is very much more pleasing to the ear. In the flower duet Sutherland's whooping delivery completely overwhelms her unfortunate mezzo partner. Matthews voice blends beautifully with that of Dominica Matthews as Malika. Matthews is also better in the bell song. Her high notes have a sweetness to them and, as she climbs higher and higher there is never any doubt that she is going to make it.
Tenor Aldo Di Toro struggles a bit as her lover Gerald. Other parts are adequate but that is not important as this is Emma Matthews' showcase. I did enjoy the magic tunic in Act III. Gerald has been stabbed through the tunic and we see him lying on a bed in his bloodstained shirt. When he recovers, he gets up and puts on his tunic, which is pristine.
This is an opera that could reasonably be updated to modern day Afghanistan, although that would involve a bit of tinkering with the libretto. Both these Australian versions are resolutely traditional with colourful but simple sets and Indian costumes. What is striking is how similar the two productions are, separated by an interval of 35 years. The main difference is that, in 1976, it was considered acceptable to wear dark make-up whereas, in 2011, the Indian characters look very Australian.
The main revelation in this recording is Emma Matthews as Lakmé. She is a new name to me but, looking at her biography, she has done a wide range of heavyweight roles for Opera Australia over the last 20 years. She has a light coloratura with an astonishing high range. If you compare her performance with Joan Sutherland's it is very much more pleasing to the ear. In the flower duet Sutherland's whooping delivery completely overwhelms her unfortunate mezzo partner. Matthews voice blends beautifully with that of Dominica Matthews as Malika. Matthews is also better in the bell song. Her high notes have a sweetness to them and, as she climbs higher and higher there is never any doubt that she is going to make it.
Tenor Aldo Di Toro struggles a bit as her lover Gerald. Other parts are adequate but that is not important as this is Emma Matthews' showcase. I did enjoy the magic tunic in Act III. Gerald has been stabbed through the tunic and we see him lying on a bed in his bloodstained shirt. When he recovers, he gets up and puts on his tunic, which is pristine.
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- Gyran
- Mar 26, 2013
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- Runtime3 hours
- Color
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