Elisir D’Amore/ Glyndebourne on tour
After the road crash that was Rigoletto my faith in Glyndebourne was restored last night by its production of Donizetti’s comic opera Elisir d’Amore.
It was respectful of the text of the story, had a good set and the singing was excellent, especially the South Korean tenor Sehoon Moon as Nemorino.
The story is simple rom-com. Nemorino, a simple peasant, falls for landowner Adina but she is at first disinterested. Sergeant Belcore proposes to her.
To give himself confidence Nemorino buys an elixir from quack Dr Dulcamara, in reality a bottle of wine. With Adina’s marriage imminent, Nemorino needs more but can only affords it by receiving 20 scudi for enlisting in Belcore’s troop. Nemorino receives an inheritance out of the blue which enhances his attraction to the local girls and Adina realises she loves him after all.
The opera ends with their marriage.
On a clear and warm autumnal day the gardens of Glyndebourne looked magnificent.
The opera was not too long though I have to admit that after a carafe of fine claret with the roast beef in the carvery I did nod off in the first half.
The audience clearly enjoyed it.
I have already praised the singing of Moon but mention must also be made of Georgian baritone Misha Karia as Dr Dolcemara who not only sang with gusto but really got into the ebullient role.
This is one production which I hope goes all the way to the summer festival. However, at a third of the ticket price and with less flummery, I am beginning to enjoy the tour more.
