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The Metropolitan Opera: Rusalka
Kristine Opolais “gives a vocally lustrous and achingly vulnerable performance” (New York Times) in the role that helped launch her international career, the mythical Rusalka, who sings the haunting “Song to the Moon.” Director Mary Zimmerman brings her wondrous theatrical imagination to Dvořák’s fairytale of love and longing, rejection and redemption, giving the work “an inspired staging” (Huffington Post). Brandon Jovanovich, Jamie Barton, Katarina Dalayman, and Eric Owens complete “a matchless cast” (New York Times), and Sir Mark Elder conducts “a magnificent rendering of the composer’s lush score (Huffington Post).
Insights
Plot Summary
Rusalka, a water nymph, falls in love with a human prince and begs a witch to make her human. The transformation comes at a terrible cost: she loses her voice and is cursed to bring her prince harm. Her desperate attempt to find love and belonging leads to tragedy as she grapples with her dual nature and the consequences of defying the natural order. This production brings Dvořák's fairy-tale opera to life with stunning visuals and a captivating performance.
Critical Reception
The 2017 Metropolitan Opera production of Rusalka, directed by Mary Zimmerman, was widely praised for its imaginative staging, strong vocal performances, and emotional depth. Renée Fleming's interpretation of the titular water nymph was particularly lauded, and the production was a significant success with both critics and audiences, highlighting the enduring appeal of Dvořák's score.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its visual splendor and enchanting atmosphere.
Renée Fleming's performance as Rusalka was a career highlight.
The production effectively captures the fairy-tale magic and underlying tragedy.
Google audience: Audience reception for this specific broadcast was overwhelmingly positive, with viewers frequently commending the high-quality production values and the emotional resonance of the performances.
Awards & Accolades
None notable for this specific broadcast; however, the opera itself is a cornerstone of the repertoire.
Fun Fact
The role of Rusalka was one of Renée Fleming's signature roles, and this production marked one of her final performances in the part at the Met before her retirement from performing opera.
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