| November 2, 2016
| November 2, 2016
LIVE recording from the Bayerische Staatsoper
Kristine Opolais, René Pape, Joseph Calleja, Karine Babajanyan
Bayerische Staatsorchester
Omer Meir Wellber, conductor
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“Gentle and loving before coming under the spell of the evil Mefistofele, the ill-fated Margherita poisons her mother and kills her own baby. Portrayed with considerable femininity in a lilac dress, gloves and pearl necklace Kristine Opolais makes a convincingly shy and reserved Margherita an unfortunate woman who has descended into emotional turmoil. Margherita’s remarkable aria from act three L’altra notte is rendered with profound emotion as she movingly tells of drowning her baby. Here the Latvian soprano demonstrates her powerful projection, close dynamic control and a splendid ability to convey intense emotion as if living the role. I know what a superb artist Opolais is and am reminded of seeing her performing in concert earlier this year in the ‘Letter Scene’ from Eugene Onegin at Semperoper Dresden.”
Michael Cookson – MusicWeb International
“The character of Marguerite is very well done indeed by Kristine Opolais – she is in splendid voice …”
Jim Westhead – MusicWeb International
“Ms. Opolais seemed to live with it, growing in stature as the evening went on and radiating the kind of aura – one that demands you watch her, and sympathize with her – that defines a star… She is a performer with a tremendous future ahead of her. New York will be lucky to have her.”
New York Observer