It might sound as if we’re damning an entire genre with faint praise, not to mention a production, but Carmen is the perfect opera for people who believe (however misguidedly) that they don’t like opera. Not only does it have a gripping and exciting storyline that encompasses romance, betrayal and grand spectacle – but Bizet’s music also boasts some of the most famous highlights of 19th century opera. The overall effect, especially in a staging as visceral and exciting as the Royal Opera House’s latest revival, is not unlike being at a very accomplished and dramatic gig, especially if you happened to be attending the outside broadcast that took place all over the UK, where the most famous arias produced mass singalongs.
The story is simplicity itself, as Don Jose (Bryan Hymel), a naive young soldier, falls madly in love with the fierily passionate gypsy Carmen (Christine Rice), a girl who professes that she will only fall in love with a man who doesn’t love her in return. As Don Jose’s self-destructive passion grows, Carmen’s indifference to him and affection for the toreador Escamillo (Aris Argiris) only grows, leading to a cathartically tragic ending.
The musical highlights, powerfully sung by Rice, Hymel and Argiris, amongst the rest of the outstanding cast, include the famous ‘Habanera’ and ‘Toreador Song’, which you’re likely to know even if you’ve never seen the inside of an opera house. But the entirety of the glorious, opulent and Romantic score, powerfully conducted by Constantinos Carydis, is a delight to listen to, and to savour. This is unashamedly visceral, thrilling and arms-in-the-air uplifting stuff. If you get a chance, don’t miss it.
Until 26th June, 2010.
Royal Opera House, Bow Street, London WC2.
