Bryn Terfel - Bad Boys

Synopsis

The great Welsh bass-baritone.

Our Review:

18 November 2009

After all the recent complaints about short-changing programmes and dodgy tenor partners it was clear that no one was going to accuse Bryn Terfel of not giving value for money with a programme of eleven substantial vocal pieces! Unfortunately his choice of partners was somewhat less felicitous.

The Sinfonia Cymru got the evening off to a somewhat shaky start with the overture to Forza del Destino which was marred by sour woodwind and fluffed strings. Gareth Jones’ foursquare conducting did little to enliven proceedings. When will promoters learn that using a top rank conductor paired with the headline singer can make the difference between a good and stunning evening? There were constant issues of balance all evening which, with a voice the size of Terfel’s, is inexcusable.

Terfel’s first offering was Dulcamara’s entrance aria which he dispatched with immaculate diction and a keen sense of fun. It was instructive to hear a voice of this quality ...

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Latest User Review

Gareth James - 21 November 2009:

I would have liked more opera and less lighter fare and more Bryn and less orchestral pieces, but in the end it's his warmth and empathy with the audience than stands him out as an entertainer from all the other recitalists in their silent stuffiness....

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