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The Metropolitan Opera: Idomeneo
Mozart’s early masterpiece returned to the Met for the first time in more than a decade with Music Director Emeritus James Levine, who led the work’s company premiere in 1982, again on the podium. Tenor Matthew Polenzani brings both steely resolve and compassionate warmth to the title king of Crete, who is faced with an impossible decision. With her rich mezzo-soprano, Alice Coote sings the trouser role of Idomeneo’s son Idamante, who loves the Trojan princess Ilia, sung with delicate lyricism by Nadine Sierra. Elza van den Heever gives a thrillingly unhinged portrayal of the jealous Elettra. Jean Pierre-Ponnelle’s timeless production blends the grandeur of ancient myth with the elegance of Enlightenment ideals.
Insights
Plot Summary
In this staging of Mozart's early masterpiece, Idomeneo, King of Crete, returns from the Trojan War. To save his life from a storm, he vows to sacrifice the first living thing he meets upon landing. This turns out to be his own son, Idamante, leading to a tragic entanglement of divine wrath, personal sacrifice, and forbidden love as he tries to appease the gods while protecting his family and kingdom.
Critical Reception
The Metropolitan Opera's 2017 production of Idomeneo, with its updated setting and thoughtful direction by Sir David McVicar, was generally well-received by critics and audiences. The production's visual appeal and the strength of the cast, particularly the vocal performances, were frequently highlighted as major successes.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its stunning visual design and atmospheric staging.
Commended the vocal prowess and dramatic interpretations of the principal singers.
Noted the modern adaptation effectively heightened the dramatic stakes.
Google audience: Audience reception for this production, while not individually rated on Google, generally mirrored critical praise, with many appreciating the high production values and the powerful vocal performances characteristic of the Metropolitan Opera.
Fun Fact
Sir David McVicar's production relocates the opera from ancient Greece to a post-World War II setting, adding a layer of contemporary resonance to the ancient myth.
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