Romeo et Juliette’s extraordinary love
IT is that age-old story. Shakespeare started it all with the tragedy of star-crossed lovers who risk everything to be with each other.
Over the years, others have taken this basic premise and have spun great stories for the stage and screen. Romeo Must Die, West Side Story and Romeo + Juliet are but some of the adaptations of this classic. The Jamaican film Ghett’A Life also made use of this work as part of its subplot.
The world of opera has not missed out on this great story, and in 1867 Frenchman Charles Gunod composed his work — a five-act opera based on the classic Shakespeare work.
Romeo et Juliette is among the popular works being showcased as part of the Metropolitan Opera’s 2016-17 season. Last Saturday, audiences around the world were transported to the Met’s stage in New York, courtesy of the Live in HD series, to enjoy another dazzling performance.
Romeo et Juliette chronicles the story of two young lovers from feuding families — The Montagues and Capulets. Juliette is already promised to a count, but has no interest as she only has eyes for Romeo. Both must withstand the pressures from within and without to keep their romance alive. Ultimately, they take matters into their own hands, culminating with a tragic denouement which gives life to the popular line from this work: “Parting is such sweet sorrow”.
But Romeo et Juliette is an opera and, therefore, it is the music which takes centre stage.And what great music Gunod provides to accentuate this strong, dramatic work!
There is a noticeable shift in the tone of the music between the first and second halves of the piece. The choral work and arias are light and lively as themes of love and romance are explored. By the second half, the plot twists towards the dark side of this tragedy, and so does the music. It is a much heavier, solemn sound that characterises the final stages.
As usual, the Met pulls out the stops to bring the works to life, and, in addition to conductor Gianandrea Noseda and director Bartlett Sher, who both do a great job, it is the voices that are the true stars of Romeo et Juliette.
A fair weight of the work rests on the shoulders of the title characters, and tenor Vittorio Grigolo and soprano Diana Damrau carry this weight with exceptional aplomb.
Italian Grigolo is delightful as Romeo. His youthful nature seems to carry into the role and, despite his 39 years, is able to convincingly deliver as the teenaged suitor. His voice, with its rich textures, is emotive and brings home the essence of the character. While Damrau’s vocal abilities cannot be challenged, physically she did not reach the same levels, in terms of inhabiting her character as her counterpart. However, what the twosome did display was a palpable chemistry which was essential for this love story.
The Nuit d’hyménée — the duet sung on their wedding night — was a treat for the eyes and ears. From the giant bed created for the two lovers to the soaring sounds, this was one of the not-to-be-missed moments ofRomeo et Juliette.
Another great production from the Met. Those who missed last Saturday’s live performance can catch the encore presentation at Palace Cineplex at the Sovereign Centre in St Andrew, next Sunday.