

The Metropolitan Opera: La Fille du Régiment
Tenor Javier Camarena and soprano Pretty Yende team up for a feast of bel canto vocal fireworks—including the show-stopping tenor aria “Ah! Mes amis,” with its nine high Cs. Alessandro Corbelli and Maurizio Muraro trade off as the comic Sergeant Sulpice, with mezzo-soprano Stephanie Blythe as the outlandish Marquise of Berkenfield. Enrique Mazzola conducts.
Insights
Plot Summary
Marie, an orphan raised by the "Daughters of the Regiment" in Napoleon's army, finds her life complicated when she falls for the young Tirolean Tonio. Her joy is short-lived as she is claimed by the Duchess of Berkenfield, her long-lost aunt, who insists Marie adhere to societal norms and learn to sing properly. Marie must navigate the expectations of high society and the military world to reunite with her beloved Tonio.
Critical Reception
This Metropolitan Opera production of Donizetti's comic opera was widely praised for its vibrant performances, particularly from its lead soprano and tenor. The staging offered a delightful blend of humor and heart, effectively bringing the charming story to life for both seasoned opera-goers and newcomers.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for the stellar vocal performances of Pretty Yende and Javier Camarena.
- Lauded for its charming and humorous production design and direction.
- Appreciated for its accessibility to audiences new to opera.
Google audience: Audience reviews often highlight the exceptional vocal talents of the principal singers, especially the soprano's impressive coloratura and the tenor's ringing high notes. The comedic elements and the visually appealing production are frequently mentioned as significant strengths.
Fun Fact
While Kathleen Battle's role in this specific 2019 production was limited due to the casting, she famously sang the role of the Marquise of Berkenfield in a previous acclaimed Met production of 'La Fille du Régiment' in 1994, earning her a Grammy Award for Best Classical Vocal Soloist.
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