Holland Park Opera. Edgar

This year marks the centenary of Puccini’s death in 1924 and to mark this occasion Holland Park Opera is performing a number of his operas; one of which is Edgar. First performed in 1889 the opera was dismissed by the critics and public alike. This criticism prompted Puccini to rewrite the score which finally became a three-act opera as performed in 1905. The Holland Park version is this one from 1905 and is semi-staged, which works brilliantly with the performing area, giving the audience intimate close up interactions with the singers. Especially at the front of the stage and aisles where performers walk down through the audience

 

Edgar – Peter Auty

Fidelia – Anne Sophie Duprels

Tigrana – Gweneth Ann Rand

Frank – Julien Van Mellaerts

Conductor – Naomi Woo

 

Act 1

    This is a classic of the opera genre which has all the ingredients of Love, disgrace, redemption and finally tragedy. The gentle Fidelia, played by Anne Sophie Duprels, sings a sweet aria of joy for Edgar.  

Anne Sophie Duprels (at the photo) lovely soprano voice is lyrical and helps to shames Edgar, played by Peter Auty, to turn his back on Tigrana the Moorish beauty and free spirit. The interaction between Edgar, sung by Peter Auty with a strong and strident tenors voice, countered by  Gweneth Ann Rand rich mezzo soprano voice is powerful and emotional. Frank, played by Julien Van Mellaerts, argues with Tigrana.

After being rejected. Julien Van Mellaerts excellent melodious baritone is full of injustice. Tigrana is assailed by an anger crowd the chorus performs this role with aplomb. But defended by Edgar they decide to leave only for Frank to wound Edgar in a duel. Below Julean Van Mellaerts as Frank.

 

Act II

Peter Auty sings of his disgust at his life now with Tigrana. There is true sadness in the quality of his singing. It also strengthens one he leaves to join a group of soldiers led by Frank a touching scene of reconciliation. For Edgar redemption awaits, for Tigrana hatred awaits her. 

 

Act III

This act seems to jump ahead where Edgar has died in battle and is being buried with all honours. There seems to be a missing act here where we see his redemption and turning so that the audience would again have sympathy for this man. However, the twist in the act is the coffin is empty and a questioning curate, someone who denounces Edgar during the service in fact is Edgar in disguise. The chorus play a collective part as mourners sing their praise but once Tigrana fakes her love for Edgar and shows her true self she finally commits one last act, the murder of Fidelia. This act has emotional arias for the soprano of Anne Sophie Duprels singing wonderfully with soul.

 

The music is conducted with panache by the superb Naomi Woo with the orchestra following her every cue. This is a great opera with exquisite performances all round. I believe it to be one of Puccini’s most underrated operas for it has all the elements of strong characterization and the libretto feels more modern something for today’s audience. Well done Holland Park Opera, long may it continue.   

 

Peter Auty as Edgar and Julien Van Mellaerts as Frank in Edgar

Mike Aburrow