Opera in NYC: Mefistofele at the Met Opera
Splendid and colorfully rich production of Arrigo Boito’s Mefistofele at the Met Opera until December 1, 2018
A revival of Robert Carsen’s the 1999 production of Boito’s Mefistofele brings all the elements of grand opera to the Met Opera stage. Omnipresent and vicious devil whistling and steering havoc, magnificent chorus scenes mightily delivered by the members of Met chorus and ballet, vibrant costumes and powerful singing are all in evidence throughout the performance.
Regarded as a showpiece for basses with Samuel Ramey famously singing Mefistofele with all the demonic charisma in place, Christian Van Horn, a bass-baritone, commands a formidable presence. Faust, his counterpart, played by young tenor Michael Fabiano, is reasonably sensual if restrained at times. Yet, both make an impressive leading pair going through all the ups and downs of Boito’s illustrious masterpiece.
The set and costume design by Michael Levine adds a strong visual component to the production and sometimes competes for attention with the music and the main characters. With sensitive and penetrating soprano Angela Meade as Margherita and Carlo Rizzi conducting, the opera is a fantastic treat for the spectators reminding us of vices and virtues in a truly theatrical way.
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