Celebrating Valentine’s Day in an opera house was rather a good idea, but sadly Opera North’s From Paris With Love didn’t quite make it.
The first half consisted of eight miscellaneous scenes from five operas by 19th century composers. The exciting duet of Massenet’s young Manon (sung by Jeni Bern) and des Grieux (sung by Peter Audy) eloping to Paris was an obvious opener, but little known to the silent audience.
Two items from another Boheme virtually unknown included an undistinguished duet and the aria Testa adorata for tenor, sung by Peter Audy, reminding me at least of how good a composer Leoncavallo was.
Another great aria followed for Gabriela Istoe soprano: Depuis Le Jour from Charpentier’s Louise, rather eclipsed though by a tedious act two scene two.
Puccini’s finale from act three of La Boheme tried to make amends, but how could it when tragedy rather than joy was this half’s dominant element.
After the interval, Geoffrey Dolton joined the two ladies to sing nine French songs between them. Much liked but a trifle long-winded.
Lehar’s The Merry Widow was a surprising visitor and rather made fun of.
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