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... The
production of La Bohème at the Israel
Philharmonic was conducted with feeling and
sensuality by Giampaolo Bisanti.
(omississ…..)
But this evening
belonged entirely to Susanna Branchini in the
role of Mimi. In her first notes, when she came
on stage, I was afraid that her voice was too
dark and heavy, but she immediately showed that
she is an amazing singer. After a few tones I
felt goose-bumps on my skin from the great
excitement. She has a wonderful and varied
voice, full of musicality and feeling. Each
scene she sang was thrilling; each note was in
the right place and had a psychological,
emotional and musical quality. She is a young
and beautiful woman, which contributed a lot to
the credibility of the character. One cannot
say about her that the opera is not over until
the fat lady sings. She is thin and tall. I
have never heard of her but I wouldn't be
surprised if in a short while she becomes a
leading international singer.
I must reiterate
my praise of the conductor Bisanti. He
succeeded in arousing the orchestra, producing
from it stormy rhythms when needed and
unlimited lyrical subtlety throughout most of
the opera. This was a concert version that did
not require staging, but required greater
expression than in an opera in which the
scenery, lighting and costumes help the acting.
There is no doubt that thanks to the conductor
and to Branchini this was a great experience.
And if needed, this production was proof that
one great artist can sweep the audience and
give them a deep emotional experience, even if
the other participants were
mediocre.
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