Mozart: Die Entführung aus dem Serail, K384

For me, the challenge of enjoying some of the operas other than the major Mozart masterpieces, is that many of them have so much dialog/recitatives that I get impatient and want to fast-forward to more music. This is the case in this opera, as well. However, we are well rewarded with some terrific singing!

The performers are:

Diana Damrau (Konstanze), Olga Peretyatko (Blonde), Christoph Strehl (Belmonte), Norbert Ernst (Pedrillo), Franz-Josef Selig/Christoph Quest (Bassa Selim)

• Orquestra Simfònica del Gran Teatre del Liceu, conducted by Ivor Bolton

• Staged by Christof Loy at Gran Teatre de Liceu, 2011

Barcelona’s Gran Teatre del Liceu presents Mozart’s singspiel in an elegant production with a sparkling cast of top-rank international stars headed by coloratura soprano Diana Damrau as Konstanze, and rising opera star Olga Peretyatko as Blonde.

http://www.diana-damrau.com/

The staging by Christoph Loy has created a thought-provoking and strikingly original scenario in which both Konstanze and Blonde are feeling respect, admiration and even profound love for their captors. The result is funny and enjoyable.

The performance, under Ivor Bolton works well in conjunction with the staging. The singing is of an exceptionally high standard, and the performance of Diana Damrau deserves to be singled out as really excellent.

Here is Diana Damrau as Konstanze in Barcelona (2010)

Tags: Diana Damrau, Mozart, “Die Entführung aus dem Serail”, Barcelona