Un ballo in maschera

Un Ballo in Maschera is not one of Verdi's best works, that I do agree with. The story is in some way implausible, however the music while not Verdi's best by all means overall is brilliant. For me the highlight has always been Renato's Eri Tu, which is both beautiful and intense, and actually rivals the likes of Ella Giammi m'ammo, Cortigiani and Ditta Alla Giuvine in how much it affects me every time I hear it.

This is a truly great production. The costumes and sets are wonderfully lavish, and helped by the skillful photography and camera angles. The conducting and orchestra perform the music beautifully, and the whole production is directed with real professionalism. Staging wise, only Riccardo's death scene rings a false note, it is rather jumpy(almost the equivalent of a car stopping and starting) and drawn out for my tastes.

The performances are exceptional. Placido Domingo is a wonderful Riccardo, excelling in both the acting and singing. Katia Ricciarelli is a good actress and possesses a beautiful voice, and she performs Amelia with real musicality. Reri Grist is a suitably angelic and lyrical Oscar as well.

But for me the best performance comes from the amazing Piero Cappuccilli. Two years ago I didn't know much about him at all, now he is not only one of my favourite baritones but one of my favourite singers too. He is absolutely brilliant as Renato, especially in Eri Tu, which for me was the best thing about the whole production and right now(although Milnes, Merrill and Quillico do nice versions too) this is my favourite interpretation of the aria(I feel the same about his Di Provenza and Credo In Un Dio Crudel too). He has a perfect technique and a beautiful, large even voice that shows a lot of intensity, and when it comes to thrilling tops for baritones I can only think of Leonard Warren and Sherrill Milnes who come close to Cappuccilli, in the case of Milnes perhaps even more so. And as for his acting, he does more than just singing, he does something really powerful and intelligent with the role and it shows.

All in all, a great production,that is worth seeing for Eri Tu alone(though there are many other things to love about it too) and Cappuccilli is brilliant. 9/10 Bethany Cox