Don Carlo Bavarian State Opera

© Bavarian State Opera

Whenever Munichs most famous Opera star  Jonas Kaufmann appears on stage the whole city and its opera maniacs get excited and fully overwhelmed. The cast of this renewal of  Don Carlo has been carefully selected. So it is a pleasure for all senses. Next to Jonas Kaufmann as the young rebellic but desperate Don Carlo Anja Hateros is a brilliant Elisabeth with her clear transparent voice angelic playing. They both appeared already on stage here in Lohengrin and they do harmonize. Rene Pape is the lonely and resigned King Philip jealous of the youth and love of Don Carlo and Elisabeth and an instrument ot the inquisition. His aria and the following scene with the great inquisitor are a highlight of the evening next to Elisabeths farewell aria in the last scene. Boaz Daniel is marking a romantic Posa, a hero  full of respect, friendship and love for Don Carlo. The orchestra under the guidance of Asher Fisch is very well supporting the act on stage full of sound and avoiding heavy forti but showing soft melodic playing. Jürgen Roses interpretation of Don Carlo is sensible, well elaborated and marks intensively the cold, dark life under the Spanish court and the dominant ruling of the inquisition destroying liberty, feelilngs and humanity.