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<< -- 3 -- Maria Nockin A SUMPTUOUS DISPLAY
Elisabeth de Valois was sung by Italian soprano Annalisa Raspagliosi whose voice may have been a bit light for the role. However, she sang it beautifully and looked the part of the teenage French noblewoman sent against her will to marry the father of the man she loved.
Dolora Zajick as Princess Eboli and Annalisa Raspagliosi as Elisabetta in the LA Opera production of Verdi's 'Don Carlo'. Photo © 2006 Robert Millard
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Lado Ataneli is one of those few artists who has a tremendously powerful, well focused voice with a distinctively exciting sound. He is also becoming a fine interpreter. Thus, his Rodrigo combined vocal virtuosity with committed stagecraft. Dolora Zajick is already recognized as the première dramatic mezzo-soprano of this age. She was an Eboli to reckon with as she combined the Moorish ornaments of her first aria with an opulent vocal palette and sang 'O Don Fatale' with tremendous dramatic power.
Ferruccio Furlanetto as King Philip II and Annalisa Raspagliosi as Elisabetta in the LA Opera production of Verdi's 'Don Carlo'. Photo © 2006 Robert Millard
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Ferrucio Furlanetto was a stern and, at times, cruel Philip II. He sang with burnished bass tones and gave what is probably an accurate portrayal of the ruler. He also showed the inner turmoil of the man when, in his aria, he acknowledges that Elizabeth never loved him. As an enfeebled but palpably evil Grand Inquisitor, Eric Halfvarson proved a worthy opponent for the king. The scene between them was spine tingling.
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Copyright © 25 September 2006
Maria Nockin, Arizona USA
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