OPERA: LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR
REVIEW BY IRINA DUNN
In Lucia di Lammermoor, Donizetti (1797-1848) took inspiration from Walter Scott’s The Bride of Lammermoor, no doubt aware of the huge popularity of the romantic novel that had inspired dozens of artists and writers after it was published in 1819.
This dark tale of star-crossed lovers caught in a feud between their families (much like Romeo and Juliet) gives Emma Matthews the opportunity to put her own stamp on a role that Sutherland made her own.
This part demands for its success a singer whose voice is of a similar calibre to Sutherland’s, no less. It is a difficult role, to be taken on only by a seasoned soprano with the highest command of her voice, particularly in the upper register, during the remarkably complex arias that dare the soprano to show off her range.
And this Matthews did in abundance. Her dramatic presence and vocal assurance in a difficult part was riveting, offering us a vivid and memorable portrayal of a young woman driven to madness by thwarted love.
As Edgardo, the dispossessed heir to the estates stolen by Lucia’s brother Enrico, Eric Cutler gave a performance that was as impressive as Matthews’, his voice equally resonant in expressing power or tenderness.
The production is worth visiting for the performance of these two alone, but there’s more pleasure to be gained. As Lucia’s fiendish brother, Jose Carbo is a wonderfully menacing presence on stage, exuding a remorseless evil force that eventually drives his sister to murder and death.
The supporting cast were also superb and lent the production a well-rounded feel: Graeme McFarlane as Normanno, Richard Anderson as Lucia’s tutor and chaplain Raimondo, Rosemary Gunn as Alisa, her maid, and Kaneen Breen as Lucia’s ill-fated husband.
Perhaps the production would have felt fresher if the costumes had not been quite so traditional, but this is quibbling in the face of a musically historical moment as Emma assumes the crown of ‘Lucia’.
Lucia di Lammermoor
Until August 30
Sydney Opera House
Tickets: $99-$240, 9318 8200 or www.opera-australia.org.au
