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Brilliantly cast and expertly sung, this is an “Elixir” that deserves to be seen again and again.
L’elisir d’amore
Gaetano Donizetti
Lyric Opera of Chicago
January 23, 2010
By R. Todd Shuman
OperaOnline.us
If ever there was a contender for the title of “biggest smile inducing opera,” Donizetti’s bubbly 1832 comic masterpiece “L’elisir d’amore” would certainly be it. This charming opera, which tells the story of country bumpkin Nemorino, his love for the maiden Adina, and a bottle of wine marketed as Isolde’s love position by the loveable con-man “Doctor” Dulcamara is a joy from beginning to end. Filled with some of Donizetti’s best music, “L’elisir d’amore” is currently delighting audiences at Lyric Opera of Chicago in a memorable and thrilling revival.
Making his Lyric Opera debut, Italian tenor Giuseppe Filianoti was a perfect Nemorino. His rich lyric tenor voice filled the opera house, and his performance of the genuine hit of the opera, “Una furtiva lagrima,” was sheer perfection and it drew one of the longest ovations in recent memory. As an actor, Mr. Filianoti brought a keen sense of comic timing to the role, and he made Nemorino completely believable. His performance was absolutely flawless, and here’s hoping that he returns to Lyric Opera again and again.
Award winning soprano Nicole Cabell has delighted Lyric audiences in several performances, going back to her time as a member of Lyric’s Ryan Opera Center, and her performance as Adina is no exception. She possesses a lovely lyric soprano, and her voice is well suited to the Bel Canto repertoire.
Alessandro Corbelli’s Dulcamara was a resounding success. This character may be considered a stereotype, but Mr. Corbelli brought a likeability to his characterization. This was a Dulcamara that made you like (and almost believe) him. His performance of Dulcamara’s tricky entrance aria, “Udite, udite, o rustici,” was perfect.
Leading the always brilliant Lyric Opera Orchestra was Bruno Campanella. Maestro Campanella offered a finely nuanced reading of Donizetti’s brilliant score. Ulisse Santicchi’s lovely sets and costumes beautifully captured the essence of a 19th century rustic Italian village.
For those who have not had the thrill of experiencing “L’elisir d’amore” or for those who have visited it many times, Lyric Opera’s stunning production has a lot to offer. Brilliantly cast and expertly sung, this is an “Elixir” that deserves to be seen again and again. “L’elisir d’amore” will continue at Lyric Opera of Chicago through February 22. American tenor Frank Loprardo and soprano Susanna Phillips will take over the roles of Nemorino and Adina for all performances from February 7-22.
Conductor, Bruno Campanella
Original Production, Giulio Chazalettes
Stage Director,Vincent Liotta
Set and Costume Designer, Ulisse Santicchi
Lighting Design, Jason Brown
Chorus Master, Donald Nally
Stage Band Conductor, Eric Weimer
Photo: Dan Rest, Lyric Opera Chicago
