"Arabella" - The Met: Live in HD
Libretto: Hugo von Hoffmanstahl
Creators:
- Nicholas Carter – conductor
- Otto Schenk – director
- Günther Schneider-Siemssen – set designer
- Milena Canonero – costumes
- Gil Wechsler – lighting
Cast:
- Rachel Willis-Sørensen – Arabella
- Louise Alder – Zdenka
- Pavol Breslik – Matteo
- Julie Roset – Fiakermilli
- Karen Cargill - Adelaide
- Tomasz Konieczny – Mandryka
- Brindley Sherratt – hrabia Waldner
Duration: 4 hours and 10 minutes (two breaks)
In the second half of the XIXth century Vienna was a multiethnic metropolis in which artists looked for inspiration while the aristocrats enjoyed themselves during lavish balls. The opera ”Arabella” by Richard Strauss that will be shown as part of ”The Met: Live in HD” series invokes this very atmosphere. It is a treat particularly for Polish enthusiasts of this opera because the role of Mandryka will be played by Tomasz Konieczny – an excellent bass-baritone born in Łódź, an acclaimed performer known from roles in the works of Wagner and applauded at the world’s best opera stages. Mandryka is attempting to court the titular Arabella, the daughter of the impoverished count Waldner who looks to her marriage as a way to relieve his financial troubles caused by his affinity for gambling. Arabella, as it happens in many operas, is not keen on fulfilling her father’s plan, instead being charmed by another young man who in turn is coveted by his own sister… The opera maintains the character of a romantic comedy with slight elements of farce. The spectacle is the commencement of a staging by Otton Schenk, an excellent director who passed away in January of this year. His cooperation with the Metropolitan Opera started in the 70’s of the past century, while the premiere of Arabella took place in 1983.
phot. Marty Sohl / Metropolitan Opera
