Simon Boccanegra
Royal Opera House, in rep until 15 July
Manon
Royal Opera House, in rep until 10 July
The Royal Opera’s latest revival of Verdi’s Simon Boccanegra is notable above all for Plácido Domingo’s assumption of the title role, that is, his British debut as a baritone. It is also notable for his rapid recovery from serious illness, and his giving every appearance of being in fine fettle. Those combined circumstances made it difficult, at any rate for me, to decide just how artistically successful his transformation, and thus the whole revival, actually was. There had been a great deal of wise head-shaking before about the ill-advisedness of Domingo’s attempting a role which is short on high notes, one of his greatest strengths, even in his later years, and long on notes lower than he has usually been accustomed to singing.
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in