Rare production of Tisbe is a jewel in La Seranissima's crown
The story, derived from a classical tale of love and loss with a comic subplot, gave La Seranissima lots of scope. This was a concert performance, but the acting, both tragic and comic,excelled that in some staged operas.
All the soloists were good, especially Hilary Summers as Licori who displayed her considerable skills as a comic actress, as well as her impressive contralto
voice.
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Hide AdThe chorus was great, in singing and acting. They turned seamlessly from a conventional chorus to one raging lion with many legs who wrestled with our
hero and finally died: great choreography.
Tisbe was written well before any of the other operas in this year’s Buxton International Festival, so there are no complex ensemble pieces. It is a fine example of opera from the early 18thncentury, the music is lovely with many tuneful arias.
La Seranissima kept a wise balance between the beautiful music, which follows the main, tragic plot, and seizing every opportunity to make us laugh. T
This was a great opportunity to hear an excellent performance of a rarely heard opera.
Tisbe will be performed again at Buxton Opera House on Tuesday, July 17.