Beautiful Sing, but no Spiel: an unusual Munich Entführung

By Laura Servidei, 13 June 2021

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“solo interventions of the various instruments masterfully executed, the orientalisms kept in line”

Reviewed at Nationaltheater, Munich on 12 June 2021

Mozart, Die Entführung aus dem Serail (The Abduction from the Harem)

Bavarian State Opera

Ivor Bolton, Conductor

Martin Duncan, Director

Ultz, Set Designer, Costume Designer

Sofia Fomina, Konstanze

Pavol Breslik, Belmonte

Hans-Peter König, Osmin

Gloria Rehm, Blonde

Manuel Günther, Pedrillo

Bernd Schmidt, Bassa Selim

Bayerischer Staatsopernchor

Bayerisches Staatsorchester

Jones’ wicked Hänsel und Gretel returns to the Bayerische Staatsoper

Mark Pullinger, 6th December

Even without a gingerbread house, there’s enough wickedness in Richard Jones’ staging of Humperdinck’s opera for sweet tooths to savour.

****1

No fairy tale: Kušej’s Rusalka works with devastating force in Munich

Orsolya Gyárfás, 26th July

Asmik Grigorian leads a searing performance in Martin Kušej’s 15-year-old, yet ever-fresh, outstanding production of Dvořák's opera.

****1

Everlasting Everding: another beautiful Munich Zauberflöte revival

Laura Servidei, 4th January

August Everding’s Magic Flute is revived in Munich with a solid cast for the enjoyment of all ages.

***11

And they were the most divine gods: Das Rheingold in Munich

Phillip Richter, 3rd November

Tobias Kratzer's prelude to this new Ring cycle exceeds all expectations and scores a musical-theatrical success.

*****

All play and no work: an exuberant Figaro in Munich

Orsolya Gyárfás, 17th July

Evgeny Titov's new production is heavy on the jokes and light in substance, but delights anyway thanks to its high-class cast.

****1

Waltzing masks and masquerades in Kosky’s new Fledermaus

Zenaida des Aubris, 23rd December

Expect sequins and swinging chandeliers in the Australian director's new Fledermaus at the Bayerische Staatsoper.

****1

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Laura Servidei

Mathematician, science nerd, translator of popular science books, obsessed opera fan since the teen years. Day job: business analyst in a software house developing systems for the financial industry. Amateur choral singer. Main musical interests: baroque music and Italian opera. Originally from Italy, currently based in Sweden. I make a mean eggplant parmesan.

Beautiful Sing, but no Spiel: an unusual Entführung aus dem Serail in Munich