The Metropolitan Opera: Don Pasquale
Donizetti’s timeless comedy shines in Otto Schenk’s enchanting production, conducted by James Levine and featuring a remarkable cast. The incomparable Anna Netrebko is Norina, the young widow beloved by Ernesto (a suave Matthew Polenzani), who is about to be disinherited by his miserly uncle, Don Pasquale (John Del Carlo). It takes the clever scheming of Dr. Malatesta (Mariusz Kwiecien) to set things right and to teach the old curmudgeon a lesson—fits of temper, mistaken identities, and all kinds of comic confusion included.
Insights
Plot Summary
In this comedic opera, the aging bachelor Don Pasquale is tricked by his doctor, Malatesta, into marrying a young woman, Norina. Unbeknownst to Pasquale, Norina is secretly in love with his nephew, Ernesto, whom Pasquale had disinherited for refusing to marry a wealthy widow. Norina then proceeds to spend Pasquale's fortune lavishly and make his life miserable, leading him to regret his decision and ultimately agree to let Ernesto marry whom he chooses, provided he can be rid of Norina.
Critical Reception
The Metropolitan Opera's 2010 production of Donizetti's 'Don Pasquale' was met with generally positive reviews, praised for its stellar cast, particularly the luminous Anna Netrebko, and Otto Schenk's traditional, effective staging. The production highlighted the opera's comedic brilliance and Rossini-esque wit, delivering a crowd-pleasing performance that appealed to both seasoned opera-goers and newcomers.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for Anna Netrebko's captivating performance as Norina.
- Lauded for Otto Schenk's clever and traditional direction.
- Celebrated for its comedic timing and musical execution.
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Fun Fact
This production was part of The Met: Live in HD series, allowing audiences worldwide to experience the opera in cinemas.
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