Dvorak: Rusalka

2014

Composer: Antonín Dvořák Myrtò Papatanasiu, Pavel Černoch, Annalena Persson, Willard White, Renée Morloc La Monnaie Symphony Orchestra & Chorus Stage Director: Stefan Herheim Conductor: Adam Fischer

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Antonín Dvořák’s next to last opera draws its substance from the underwater wonderland of little mermaids, Undines and Melusines: Rusalka, a water nymph, wishes to become human in order to be loved by the young prince. Despite being warned against it, she asks the witch Ježibaba to help her. In order forher wish to be fulfilled, Rusalka must give up her voice and face eternal damnation if her love fails. Jaroslav Kvapil’s libretto inspired Dvořák to compose a masterpiece, a compelling opera full of poignantlyricism and dramatic twists. Ádám Fisher and Stefan Herheim masterfully present this ‘lyrical fairytale’ at La Monnaie, Belgium. La Monnaie has been acclaimed best opera house of the year 2011 (Opernwelt). In this widely acclaimed interpretation, the fairytale elements assume frighteningly realistic dimensions, making this enchanting production a psychoanalytical study of male fantasies and female archetypes. Includes 10-minute Behind-the-Scenes Bonus with Interviews with Stefan Herheim and others.

Reviews: 
“The cast throw themselves into [the production] with admirable energy, but it's simply too calculated and posturing...musically this isn't at all bad. Adam Fischer's conducting is smooth, rich and idiomatic, his principals good. Myrtò Papatanasiu hasn't quite the ideal purity of tone, but she has as much passion and vulnerability as the staging allows.” January 2015 BBC Music Magazine