Performer: Anita Rosati

Zu behäbiges Lamento-Aschgrau beschwörte bei Halubek die Assoziation eines Deckmantels oder Nachthemds herauf, unter dem der euphemistisch erachtete „spannende“ Körper Bembos Ercole letztlich leider verschwand.

Director Lotte De Beer's thoroughly realized, aesthetically rich and beautifully executed production of Janáček's masterpiece is anchored by strong performances from Nina Stemme and Svetlana Aksenova.

Osborn absolutely lives the part; he negotiated formidable heights, intricate passage work and the sheer volume of notes with style and clarity as well as colour and nuance.