Michael Tanner

Universal truth

Duke Bluebeard’s Castle<br /> English National Opera Swanhunter<br /> Opera North

issue 21 November 2009

Duke Bluebeard’s Castle
English National Opera

Swanhunter
Opera North

Bartok’s only opera, Duke Bluebeard’s Castle, shouldn’t be a difficult work to stage, to sing and to play, yet most of my worthwhile experiences of it have been listening to recordings — where it has done notably well.

GIF Image

Disagree with half of it, enjoy reading all of it

TRY A MONTH FREE
Our magazine articles are for subscribers only. Try a month of Britain’s best writing, absolutely free.

Comments

Join the debate, free for a month

Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first month free.

Already a subscriber? Log in