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G.Verdi -Falstaff, new production by Oscar-winning director Jiří Mentzel, State Theatre Košice

 

Verdi's Falstaff is a tremendous test of the abilities of conductor, orchestra and soloists. Verdi´s score is brought to such perfection and minutiae of detail not only in rhythm and tempi (this is perhaps the most attention-grabbing), but no less so in the refined instrumentation, colours and dynamic palette, that if one link in the gears squeaks, the whole easily falls apart. Guest conductor Martin Leginus approached the orchestration with this in mind and apparently did not deviate from his ideas in the process of study. It paid off. From the first bar the orchestra takes over the determining function in setting the pace and rhythm of the production, painting the changing situations and moods in the individual scenes. She leaves room for phrases to flourish in Falstaff's solo monologues, in the great duet with Ford, culminating in his aria and in Falstaff's scene with Mrs. Quickly. The brisk ensemble numbers of the women's quartet graduates to a fiery tempi. The orchestra of the Košice Opera once again confirmed that if it has in front of it a conductor with a clear concept and a willingness to raise the bar of criteria, it is fully at its disposal. At Friday's premiere, his performance really pleased not only in the interplay (a great point in the fugue), but also in drawing the atmosphere.

Pavel Unger 29.10.2017, Opera Plus

 


G.Verdi -Falstaff, new production by Oscar-winning director Jiří Mentzel, State Theatre Košice

 

Verdi's Falstaff is a tremendous test of the abilities of conductor, orchestra and soloists. Verdi´s score is brought to such perfection and minutiae of detail not only in rhythm and tempi (this is perhaps the most attention-grabbing), but no less so in the refined instrumentation, colours and dynamic palette, that if one link in the gears squeaks, the whole easily falls apart. Guest conductor Martin Leginus approached the orchestration with this in mind and apparently did not deviate from his ideas in the process of study. It paid off. From the first bar the orchestra takes over the determining function in setting the pace and rhythm of the production, painting the changing situations and moods in the individual scenes. She leaves room for phrases to flourish in Falstaff's solo monologues, in the great duet with Ford, culminating in his aria and in Falstaff's scene with Mrs. Quickly. The brisk ensemble numbers of the women's quartet graduates to a fiery tempi. The orchestra of the Košice Opera once again confirmed that if it has in front of it a conductor with a clear concept and a willingness to raise the bar of criteria, it is fully at its disposal. At Friday's premiere, his performance really pleased not only in the interplay (a great point in the fugue), but also in drawing the atmosphere.

Pavel Unger 29.10.2017, Opera Plus