I was intrigued to see how such an epic opera would translate from the stage to the screen and wondered if anything might be lost in the process. I needn’t have worried.
Almost halfway through the current season and The Met are providing a thrilling programme. Verdi’s Nabucco is the story of the Hebrews enslaved by the people who worship Baal and the destruction of the Temple.
As ever there is a love story at its heart, the trials and tribulations of the father and daughter Nabucco (more commonly known as Nebuchadnezzar) relationship, and of course the evil ruler, Abigaille who, due to her jealously, wishes to break up the young lovers by any means, and tries to turn father against daughter.
In many ways the story is the least of it, it is the singing that is sublime and with a full orchestra and large choir it would be possible to close one’s ears and simply let the music wash over you.
However, for those with their eyes open there was much to enjoy. The sets are stunning and used to great effect. The setting fire to the Temple was worth the price of the ticket alone.
Because this was beamed live into cinemas across the world everyone on stage had to continue acting regardless of if they were the focus of the action or not, which greatly added to the spectacle, especially in close up.
I had forgotten just how much choral work was a part of this opera and of course the big song from this opera is the goose bump inducing, ‘Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves,’ sung so plaintively and with such feeling that I cannot be the only one to have a tear in my eye.
The cinema experience is not the same as being in the theatre (in this case at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York) but as that was not available to me, it is very much the next best thing.
In terms of cost and ease of access it is very much the best thing, and in addition we are treated to a variety of interviews with the stars, behind whom we see stagehands and singers rushing around to ensure that the next act begins on time. This is something that you wouldn’t see if you were at The Met.
There are still some gems left in this season, so my advice would be to find the cinemas near you who are showing the Live From the Met Program and treat yourself to some top quality opera.
Images courtesy of The Metropolitan Opera
Carmen (27th January)
La Forza del Destino (9th March)
Roméo et Juliette (23rd March)
La Rondine (20th April)
Madama Butterfly (11th May)