A Night with Rigoletto
(http://www.josephcalleja.com/media/photos.php)
As the ornate chandeliers on each side of the Metropolitan Opera ascended smoothly toward the ceiling, one could feel the audience’s eager anticipation spread throughout the room. The lights slowly dimmed, as the stage was illuminated and the orchestra prepared to begin. Finally, the curtains opened, leading the spectators into the world of Rigoletto, an opera that certainly could not have disappointed a soul.
The genuine laughter of a mirthful crowd introduced the audience to the first scene. The sound of their merriment and chortling appeared to be so authentic and true to the time period, that it allowed one to travel centuries back. The combination of the chorus’s gossiping and singing easily made their carefree and jovial energy contagious. In fact, whenever the chorus performed a song, the sweet hum of all their voices intertwining to form a melody seemed to overpower the moving effect that any solo had to offer.
Moreover, it is evident that much time and effort was put into costume design, as the costumes perfectly captured the delicate grandeur of Renaissance fashion. Each actor’s attire also helped to highlight the essence of his character, especially when it came to the father and daughter. The elegant flow of Gilda’s ivory dress emphasized the endearing nature of her character, despite her foolishly sickening love for the duke. Meanwhile, Rigoletto’s modest attire and seemingly real hump mirrored his low status in society. This stressed his lack of power and even played a role in foreshadowing his tragic encounter with death.
The set, however, was equally, if not more striking. Interestingly, it was not the mere immensity of the structures on stage that were most impressive. Rather, it was the menacing clouds in the backdrop that truly caught one’s attention. It was almost as if one could see them moving across the sky. The threatening clouds’ realistically gray hue made one wonder when it was going to start pouring. In the third act, this question was finally answered. Though no water actually fell from the ceiling, the use of lighting to create the effect of lightning was convincing, and added to the intensifying drama of the last few scenes.
The orchestra was another critical asset to the show, which helped piece together each segment of the opera. While the intermissions threw the audience back into present day New York, the music that began every act allowed them to float on a wave of melodies that led them back into Italy in the 1500s. On the other hand, within the opera itself, the orchestra helped to accentuate the mood and flow of events. The orchestra’s effectiveness was seen most whenever it accompanied a moment of rising tension. Sometimes, the music would jump in speed, and at other times, it would rise in volume. Either way, it was able to accent the tension and anticipation that the various characters were experiencing.
As for individual performances, George Gagnidze, who played Rigoletto, certainly deserves recognition. Although he was suffering from a cold, he delivered each song with a vigor and smooth beauty one could not imagine possible coming from a sick individual. His first solo was particularly impressive, as his love and passion for Gilda seemed to pour out with every note he sang. While Gagnidze’s character ultimately falls victim to Monterone’s curse, he himself was able to overcome his own difficult circumstances, and successfully carried out his part in an opera that seemed spotless in nearly every aspect.
