COMMANDOpera has done no less than three articles on Maestro Gaetano Donizetti’s Anna Bolena, with particular attention to the assumption of the title role by Miss Anna Netrebko. COMMANDOpera remains silent on communications between this venue and external sources. Suffice to say, COMMANDOpera no longer holds confidence in Miss Netrebko going forward with the role at either the Mariinsky this November/December or at the 2011 season opening of the Metropolitan. There can be no question this role will be the defining moment of the career of Miss Netrebko, and COMMANDOpera strongly feels Miss Netrebko can enjoy a great success as Anna Bolena. One must however be prepared to put the time necessary as this is no ordinary role. Miss Netrebko can never ascend to the dramatic vocal heights of Miss Callas vocally as Anna Bolena and accept this reality, however the artist may certainly equal someone such as Miss Scotto. Nevertheless, these performances are currently in doubt.
CRITICAL UPDATE:
COMMANDOpera can now inform readers the production of Anna Bolena at the Mariinsky in St. Petersburg has been quietly dropped from the schedule at both the theatre’s and Miss Netrebko’s calendar. This is a breath taking development. The artist is now scheduled to debut the role at the Weiner Staatsoper on April 2 2011 with an top rank cast which includes Mr. Ildebrando D’Arcangelo as Henry Vlll, and Miss Elina Garanca as Seymour. COMMANDOpera wonders the wisdom of risking such a debut in front of an audience (though Miss Netrebko is much adored in Vienna) perhaps less friendly then the Mariinsky. Withdrawal from this production will not be an option without extremely deleterious consequences to the artists reputation. The tourneé of this work opening the new season at The Metropolitan will be far and away more challenging. The Metropolitan audience who applaud even banal performances wildly, cannot be counted on to do so this time. There are effete knives out for Miss Netrebko in certain quarters of the city to make certain she will NOT be favourably compared to Miss Callas. COMMANDOpera objects strenuously to this irrational behaviour, given Miss Netrebko has yet to essay the role and should be judged on the merits of her performance that evening.
One Comment
Indeed, Maria Callas left an unforgettable memory in the title role, her “al colce guidami” just IS perfect. Miss Netrebko might do a correct job but i doubt it’ll stay in memories, however Elina Garança as Jane Seymour , now that is something i’d love to hear. I’m sure the famous duet between the two divas might be the highlight of the whole performance.