Hotel Metamorphosis Witnesses Triumphant Debut by Cecilia Bartoli in Salzburg
Hotel Transformations: Orpheus' Epic Sojourn
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Barrie Kosky, the Australian opera and theater powerhouse, brings to life a fantastical narrative of mythological transformations in the breathtaking pasticcio, "Hotel Metamorphosis." Astonishingly selected from around 500 musical pieces by Antonio Vivaldi, this Salzburg Whitsun Festival opus breathes new life into timeless tales from Ovid's "Metamorphoses."
A Scorching Summer Show
First unveiled at the Salzburg Whitsun Festival within the venerable House for Mozart, this production will reappear this summer. The title is the setting itself - an opulent, modern hotel room, brimming with antique artwork depicting the tales, serves as the backdrop for dreamy Orpheus. Personified by actress Angela Winkler, Orpheus meanders through Ovidian and Rilkean quotes as the episodic narrative unfolds.
Orpheus' experiences become more enchanting with captivating videos and sensory components, culminating in his gruesome beheading at the hands of the ravenous Bacchantes, who invade the bedroom and traverse other characters' paths as well. The room elevates to reveal a chilling black underworld inhabited by ravens, concluding the performance.
Barrie Kosky reimagines these tales with creativity, thoughtfulness, and playful humor. The dancers, under the choreography of Otto Pichler, are enchanting and lively. However, the performance verges on excessive as it stretches to a duration of four hours, including an intermission.
Arias of Antiquity
Musically, the production features forgotten gems such as "La fida ninfa," "Juditha triumphans," and "La Griselda." Bartoli, the director of the Whitsun Festival, flawlessly exploits these aria treasures, creating incredibly intimate moments as Eurydice. Bartoli's fierce duel with Nadezhda Karyazina, as the goddess Minerva and other characters, is a highlight of the performance.
Lea Desandre captivates as the seductive Myrrha and the lively echo, exuding exceptional versatility. Philippe Jaroussky enchants the audience with his delicate, clear countertenor, portraying Pygmalion and Narcissus. The Il Canto di Orfeo vocal ensemble harmonizes beautifully, while Les Musiciens du Prince - Monaco, under the baton of Gianluca Capuano, brings energy, vitality, and a wide palette of colors to the magnificent score.
Who's Barrie Kosky?
As an Australian artistic titan, Barrie Kosky, born in 1967, is known for his creative and unconventional theater and opera productions. His innovative storytelling has impressed audiences worldwide, making him a recognizable figure in the international arts scene.
Although specific details about "Hotel Metamorphosis" are limited, it is believed to be a conceptual or thematic exploration of Ovid's "Metamorphoses," examining themes of change and transformation through captivating theatrical means. For more insights into this fascinating production, delve into critical reviews and further research.
The entertainment value of the hotel room setting in "Hotel Metamorphosis" is enhanced by captivating videos and sensory components, aligning it with the 'movies-and-tv' genre.
The musical pieces in "Hotel Metamorphosis," such as "La fida ninfa," "Juditha triumphans," and "La Griselda," belong to the category of 'entertainment' as they are forgotten gems expertly showcased within the production.
