FAUST
Gaiety Theatre
Dublin, Ireland
April 29, 2006
The final performance of Faust at the Gaiety Theatre was a much happier
experience than the previous one had been. All the principals seemed
more relaxed, and more comfortable in their roles, Anthony's voice was
luminous in "Salut Demeure" and he received tremendous applause, and
many bravos. His acting was more impetuous, freer, and very believable.
The Love Duet was tender and bittersweet, and both singers sounded fresh,
and sang beautifully. Anthony's voice is beautifully placed, with crystalline
high notes, which he continued to use to great musical effect. Chantal
Mathias was wonderful, despite one unfortunate note. Both Renata
Pokupic as Siebel and Owen Gilhooly (Marguerite's brother Valentin)
had improved greatly, and were excellent. Gilhooly's acting was more
restrained, and consequently more believable. Again, the final trio was
very strongly done, with Anthony's top note ringing out forcefully. The
acting of all three singers rang true, as well. A lot of the staging had
been cleaned up since the previous performance. It was less "busy",
and at this performance, the stage was quiet and almost bare of people
when Faust sang his aria. As I said, Anthony sang it most wonderfully,
and it was even more poignant and telling, with nothing to distract the
audience from that beautiful sound. I neglected to mention the conductor
when I wrote before. I was remiss. Bruno Ferrandis conducted a very
musical performance, and was true to the demands of Gounod.
And he was true to his singers. That's a big thing.
It may have been wishful thinking on my part, but I could see the joy
on Anthony's face when he was singing in the opera. He brings a
wonderful youthful quality to the stage, and while I hope to hear him
with The Irish Tenors forever.....I hope that he'll find at least a little
time to devote to the opera. It will be a great loss if he doesn't.
One final note: Although the curtain wasn't rung down between bows,
the cast got at least 8 curtain calls! That's quite a feat, even at the
Metropolitan Opera.
Faust has been the highlight of my trip to Ireland, so far.
And for that, I thank Anthony.
Berta Calechman
