Jenis’s Rigoletto packs a punch with a hunch
THE role of Verdi’s hunchbacked clown Rigoletto is keenly contested among the world’s top baritones and in Dalibor Jenis Sydney audiences can hear one of the best.
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THE role of Verdi’s malevolent yet vulnerable hunchbacked clown is one of the most keenly contested among the world’s top baritones − and not just for its hauntingly soulful arias.
Rigoletto gives performers a chance to extend their dramatic abilities and to explore the subtleties of this complex character.
Slovakian performer Dalibor Jenis, no mean interpreter of Verdi’s work, demonstrated on opening night just how effectively he understands the nuances of the part.
His rich baritone, clear focus and sensitivity were the hallmarks of his approach to such a demanding role.
He also had outstanding support.
Italian lyric tenor Gianluca Terranova excelled in one of his favourite roles as the libidinous Duke of Mantua, who sets out to seduce Rigoletto’s innocent daughter, Gilda.
Terranova is no stranger to Australian audiences; he performed as Rodolfo in Opera Australia’s production of La Boheme two years ago, as the duke in its 2014 production, as Rodolfo once more in 2013 and as Alfredo a year earlier in La Traviata.
POIGNANT
His rousing rendering of La donna e mobile, full of machismo and swagger, was a delight.
For me, one of the greatest discoveries of the night was Russian soprano Irina Lungu, who made her Australian debut as the over-protected Gilda.
She handled the Act I showstopper Caro Nome with poignant charm, effortless top notes and rich colour.
Talented bass Taras Berezhansky struck a suitably dark note as the assassin Sparafucile, ably assisted by mezzosoprano Sian Pendry as the killer’s sister, Maddalena.
The revolving stage worked beautifully, offering views alternately of the duke’s palace, Rigoletto’s dressing room and Sparafucile’s bar.
Renato Palumbo conducted with energy and a disciplined eye on the libretto and the chorus was outstanding in support.
More please.
DETAILS
● OPERA: Rigoletto
● STARS: Dalibor Jenis, Gianluca Terranova, Irina Lungu,
Taras Berezhansky and Sian Pendry
● AT: Sydney Opera House
● BOOKINGS: 9250 7777, www.sydneyoperahouse.com
● UNTIL: August 24