Die Entführung aus dem Serail
Mozart

Die Entführung aus dem Serail from La Scala (2017) is a damp squib, performed in Giorgio Strehler’s classic production to commemorate the twentieth anniversary of his death. What an annoying show, with its heavy reliance on silhouette, meaning that the singers are often just an outline. If you want to watch a blank shape sing, this is the film for you. The sets are spare and traditional, the costumes pretty, the acting pantomimic. Lenneke Ruiten’s Konstanze is correct, the voice dry, though ascending to some radiance. Mauro Peter’s Belmonte, when visible, sings so far out of the side of his mouth he could turn backwards and be more forwards – it produces an enjoyable sound though. Sabine Devieilhe and Maximilian Schmitt’s Blonde and Pedrillo jump obediently through their hoops. Tobias Kehrer’s Osmin is a vulgar portrayal – if you want him at his considerable best opt for the film from Glyndebourne. Zubin Mehta provides a beacon of style and clarity in the pit.

Francis Muzzu Read the full review on Agora Classica