Opera North last week gave the British premiere of The Portrait, an opera written thirty years ago by the little-known Russian composer Mieczyslaw Weinberg.
Adapted from a Gogol short story, it tells of Chartkov, a talented but impecunious young artist who bought a portrait painting which later seemed to have strange ghostly properties. These he exploits, selling in effect his soul to the devil. Soon he regrets and dies miserably.
The first act was better seen than heard with bright colours and comrades on stilts. But the second act recovered with greater orchestral inspiration and excellent singing from Paul Nilon as Chartkov which was filmed live on stage to tremendous close-up effect. Altogether quite a scoop.
John Pettit
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article