Performer: Gianluca Breda

Jean-Paul Scarpitta’s San Carlo staging was almost as minimal as a biblical oratorio.

The big season opener at La Scala offers few surprises in a traditional staging, although Yusif Eyvazov proved his worth in the title role. 

La Scala might not have had all the right cards in its garter Tuesday night to prevent ending up holding aces and spaces, but it’s hard to play without a full deck in the first place.