Ruined Landscape's Opera Staging: Péter Eötvös' "Three Sisters" at the Salzburg Festival, featuring Countertenors
At the heart of this year's Salzburg Festival lies Evgeny Titov's production of Péter Eötvös' operatic version of Anton Chekhov's classic drama, "Three Sisters". The production, staged at the Felsenreitschule, has been met with a mix of praise and reservation from critics and audiences alike.
The haunting atmosphere of the production is undeniable. The stage, filled with concrete rubble and a door painted on one of the walls, sets the tone for a gloomy and intense experience. The performance, rather than following a linear narrative, presents Chekhov's play as three evocative sequences, focusing on emotional intensity rather than straightforward storytelling, giving it a haunting intensity.
The musical execution under Titov's direction, alongside the Klangforum Wien and conductor Maxime Pascal, is praised for its precision, minimalism, and vocal technique. The terzetto of sisters, sung by countertenors, delivers strong vocal performances without faltering or straining. Cameron Shahbazi (Mascha), Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen (Olga), and Dennis Orellana (Irina) are commended for their powerful performances, while Jacques Imbrailo (Andrej) and Mikolaj Trabka (Tusenbach) also impress with their strong portrayals.
However, some critics note that the production can feel lengthily ponderous, with a pacing that challenges viewers. The ovation, while respectful, is described as being "more etiquette than ecstasy", suggesting a restrained rather than enthusiastic audience response.
The opera, which premiered in Lyon in 1998, depicts a city fire three times from different perspectives. The portrayal of Russian despair in the opera contributes little to a contemporary diagnosis, with some critics arguing that it lacks emotional engagement.
Despite these reservations, the production is seen as an "excellent festival moment" with a "great ensemble". The performance will take place again on August 12, 21, and 24 at the Felsenreitschule. For those interested in attending, remaining tickets can be purchased at salzburgfestival.at.
The opera begins with an accordion solo filled with melancholy and farewell, setting the tone for a poignant and thought-provoking performance. The costumes, designed by Rufus Didwiszus and Emma Ryott, are largely historical, adding to the production's atmospheric depth. The absence of the comedic element from the original drama is noticeable, but the intensity and emotional weight of the performance more than compensate for it.
In summary, Titov's production of "Three Sisters" at the Bavarian State Opera's Salzburg outpost offers a unique and powerful interpretation of Eötvös' opera. While the pacing and emotional engagement are subjects of debate, the production features a powerful ensemble and sophisticated musical direction, making it a must-see for opera enthusiasts.
The musical direction of the production, led by Evgeny Titov, Klangforum Wien, and conductor Maxime Pascal, is praised for its precision, minimalism, and exceptional vocal technique. The strong performances of Cameron Shahbazi, Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen, Dennis Orellana, Jacques Imbrailio, and Mikolaj Trabka contribute significantly to the entertainment value of the opera.
Throughout the performance, music serves as a potent tool to create a haunting atmosphere and emphasize the emotional intensity of the play, making it an engaging spectacle for audience members.
