Don Carlos (Don Carlo)

Synopsis

Based on a Schiller play, Don Carlos brings history to life with huge dramatic force. Verdi's largest most ambitious opera deals with the clash of personal and political motives at the court of Philip II of Spain, against a background of bitter religious and national conflicts.

Our Review:

4 June 2009

The themes of frustrated love and betrayal are particularly suited to Verdi's opera Don Carlos.The music, driven by powerful horns, gives us arias, duets and swelling choral pieces.Yet director Tim Albery delivers a subtle production which emphasises the anguish of the characters and, as a result, surprises the audience on many occasions.
 
The opening aria by Julian Gavin articulates the suffering of Carlos. His beloved Elisabeth (Janice Watson) has, for political reasons, married his father, King Philip II (Alastair Mills). Rodrigo (William Dazeley) tries to give Carlos a purpose to fill his empty life - securing the freedom of the people of Flanders whom his father has oppressed. As the opera proceeds, however, Rodrigo begins to wonder if a more direct way of achieving his objective might be to secure the friendship of the king by betraying his friends.
 
The oppressive atmosphere of the opera is enhanced...

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