RUSALKA Dvořák

Rusalka was filmed at the Met in 2014, apparently the swansong for Otto Schenk’s highly traditional production. I suspect that even the most hardened Regietheater fan would have a sneaking affection for this. It’s a sumptuous feast for the eye and, under Yannick Nézet-Séguin, for the ear too. Renée Fleming is quite a surprise as Rusalka, opening the top of her soprano to hurl out some electrifying notes above the stave. She also plunges fearlessly into chest voice, giving Dolora Zajick’s ripe Jezibaba a run for her money. Piotr Beczala is an ardent Prince, equally vocally abandoned at the end of Act I, and Emily Magee is a steely Princess. John Relyea’s Vodnik growls magnificently.

Francis Muzzu Read the full review on Agora Classica