The fascinating politics of this opera are diminished by the presentation of just four scenes. The music and three strong performances almost make up as Sydney gets its first taste of this work.
It's been a bumper week of contemporary music at the Barbican, with Nico Muhly and the Britten Sinfonia, Bang on a Can, and Krzysztof Penderecki and Jonny Greenwood all taking the stage. The diversity of talents and styles on display can only be encouraging, and last night's offering was a fitting climax to a fascinating week.
