Performer: Grand Théâtre de Genève

How can one focus on the music? Purcell’s music is interspersed with contemporary interludes by Atsushi Sakaï in an overly busy staging.  

Heroes emerge in adversity, and there are sterling turns from Leigh Melrose as a pugilistic Golaud and from the venerable Arkel of Matthew Best.

Plasson shows all his experience; Lavaudant surprises and delights with his direction; a strong cast sing their hearts out. Who can ask for more?

Elena Langer's gorgeous and tongue-in-cheek Figaro Gets a Divorce shines in Geneva, despite David Pountney's boxy libretto. 

The performance bids for musical purity, but ends up stripped of story and emotion as well. 

A strong, compelling staging – coherent in aesthetic and philosophy, if a little restrained in performance.