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A magical musical dream
Allan Clayton as Tamino with a collection of
furry friends. Pictures: Robert Workman The Magic Flute
Welsh National Opera
**** IT’S a given that many a good fable
starts with a journey to rescue some damsel or bring back a glittering
trophy as a challenge, and such is the foundation of Mozart’s final
opera, first performed, in Vienna, shortly before his death, in 1791. This WNO production first appeared in 2005 and
performed in English its surreal staging continues to be the setting for
a magically entertaining, yet playful opera. The setting of cloudscapes, opening doors and
bowler hats borrow from of Surreal Artist, Magritte’s palette and they
certainly help an audience allow for the other Allan Claytons as Tamino delivers a solid upright
performance, beautifully sung and pure in tone. However the performance
of South African Jacques Imbralio, his co traveller as the bird catcher,
Pagano, with his feathered cost and assortment of musical toys, steals
many of the pivotal scenes. Visually reminiscent of Harpo Marx he clowns
his way through many of the spoken parts only to be countered then by
his excellent vocals. Sophie Bevan as Pamina and Jacques Imbrailo as Papageno In contrast to the formality of the boxlike set
is the entrance of Samantha Hay in the role of The Queen of the Night
who, in a beautiful black gown, sweeps in against a backdrop of stars
and smoke. This engulfed conductor Lothar Koenigs for several seconds
but thankfully the haze cleared in time for him to continue his
affectionate and spirited control of the orchestra. Hays performance as the Queen was precise and
passionate and yet presented an imbalance in many respects. This was due
to the fact that contrary to the description of the evil sinful man
Sarastro, captor and imprisoner of her daughter, the figure presented by
Scott Wilde seemed more a grandfatherly caring figure than that of a
powerful mysterious clan leader. Better in the energy stakes was Sophie Bevan who
continues to add maturity to her performances in the role of Pamina
adding to her reputation as one the most sought-after young sopranos in
the UK. Several other performances of quality cut through
the night. Those were Camilla Robert as the first lady and American
opera student Rachel Mills as First Boy. Claire Hampton, while not
convincing anyone of not being a youngster in a cloak during her old
lady disguise, redeemed herself when she finally unrobed and came to
sing. The Magic Flute is part of Spellbound the WNO’s
spring season and due to its delivery in English and sense of playful
fun, assorted furry creatures and humour it is a great entry point for
anyone wishing to experience opera for the first time. The flute can be
heard playing again on 06-03-15 Jeff Grant
05-03-15 WNO spring tour continues with Hansel and Gretel on 7 March
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wise
irrational elements of the story. With the spoken dialogue adding only
marginally to any full explanation of the action it makes it all the
easier to just sit back and enjoy the pantomime like performance.