Movie spotlight
Adriana Lecouvreur
Starring Angela Gheorghiu as the celebrated French actress Adriana Lecouvreur and Jonas Kaufmann as her lover Maurizio, Count of Saxony, Cilea s verismo drama explores celebrity, romance, jealousy, and death. The trio of sublime voices is completed by Russian mezzo-soprano Olga Borodina as Adriana s jealous rival, the Princess de Bouillon. David McVicar s hit production the first performance of the opera at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden for more than a century presents the life of the French actress as a blurring of the distinction between fantasy and reality. The action revolves around a life-size Baroque Theatre, taking us from the bustle and colour of the first act backstage at the playhouse, to the bare final scenes as the drama reaches its fatal climax.
Insights
Plot Summary
Based on the play by Eugène Scribe and Ernest Legouvé, 'Adriana Lecouvreur' tells the story of a celebrated actress in 18th-century Paris who secretly loves Count Maurizio di Sassonia. Her professional rival, the Princess de Bouillon, becomes aware of their affair and plots revenge. The opera unfolds with dramatic intrigue, jealousy, and ultimately, tragedy, as Adriana is poisoned by a bouquet of violets sent by the vengeful Princess.
Critical Reception
This 2010 production of 'Adriana Lecouvreur' starring Angela Gheorghiu was generally well-received, particularly for its stellar cast and effective staging. Critics often praised Gheorghiu's performance as the titular actress, noting her vocal prowess and dramatic interpretation. The supporting cast, including Jonas Kaufmann and the legendary Joan Plowright, also garnered significant acclaim. While some found the opera itself to be melodramatic, the overall production was lauded for its emotional impact and high artistic standards.
What Reviewers Say
Angela Gheorghiu delivers a captivating and vocally impressive performance as Adriana.
The production effectively balances dramatic tension with moments of lyrical beauty.
Jonas Kaufmann and Joan Plowright provide strong support, adding depth to their roles.
Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews for this particular production is not readily available.
Fun Fact
The role of the Princesse de Bouillon in this production was originally slated for another renowned soprano, but Dame Joan Plowright, a celebrated actress in her own right, stepped in to play the speaking role, marking a unique and lauded contribution to the opera.
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