Venice, the Teatro la Fenice and Richard Wagner have close ties. Wagner loved the city and spent his last months here. So it is natural that the Fenice celebrates his 200th birthday with a special concert, a grand gala together with Christian Thielemann and the Staatskapelle Dresden - both famous for there exceptionel closeness to the composer and their outstanding quality of interpretation. So this evening has sensed a specific aura and the gathered audience witnessed an emotianal as well as a very professional spirit throughout this evening. Next to the overtures of Fliegender Holländer, Rienzi, Lohengrin and Tannhaeuser the rather seldom heard Faustsymphonie by Wagner was performed. Johan Botha, the South African born tenor, joined for a brilliant interpretation of the Gralslegend of Lohengrin, the Romelegend of Tannhaueser and Rienzi's 'Allmaechtger Gott' . His strong voluminous voice, his easiness and smothness in all parts of the partiture complemented the fine balanced, exact but lively interpretation of the orchestra under the attentive conductor.
A special tribute was given to the recently died composer Hans Werner Henze. German born he spend most of his time in Italy.´His Fraternite, air pour l´orchestre, was first performed in Italy and the composer described it as a quiet and earnest Opera, where the instruments are like singing solos - in full harmony and peace.
the 04 of July, 2013 | Print
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