Betrothal in a Monastery (The Duenna) (1998 TV Movie) User Reviews

Opera Buffa but in Russian, and still an absolute joy

[TheLittleSongbird · 10/10 · 13 October 2013]

Betrothal in a Monastery was a new discovery, and not one to be regretted. It is a genuine treat of an opera, okay the story is ridiculous but there is immense fun to be had and Prokoviev's music(whether you like it or not, personally I do like it but am more a Tchaikovsky fan admittedly) is very witty and clever. And to get introduced to Betrothal in a Monastery, this production is just the ticket, an outstanding production and a joy to watch. It is very colourful visually with the costumes suited to the characters physically(especially Mandoza) and with very appealing(in design and in colour) sets. The staging is not without a dull moment, and is ceaselessly entertaining without falling into unfunny or overdone farce, considering it's Opera Buffa in a way it is easy to fall into that trap. The orchestral playing is full of beautiful textures, dynamic range, style and vigour, and they are aided by Valery Gergiev's authoritative and highly musical conducting. They sound electrifying under him, and apparently Prokoviev is Gergiev's favourite composer and you can tell, though I confess that his Tchaikovsky conducting is more familiar. You can't have an opera- or ballet, musical, film or television for that matter- production without great performances and this production of Betrothal in Monastery has them. The standout was Larissa Diadkova, her powerful contralto voice thrillingly penetrates and she is wonderful as the Duenna, the scene in Don Jerome's house is hilarious. Nikolai Gassiev also shows very good comedy chops and sings sonorously and Sergei Alexashkin is wonderfully grotesque as Mandoza, his enormous nose has to be seen to be believed but in a way does it phase him. Anna Netrebko is beauty personified vocally, dramatically and in looks(one of her best performances on DVD) and Marianna Tarassova shows an ability to be funny and tender as well as having a strong voice. Yevgeny Akimov is dashing but his voice is not as tonally alluring as those of the rest of the performers. Overall, outstanding production of an interesting and hugely entertaining opera. 10/10 Bethany Cox