Search - Verdi, Gritton, Kenny :: Falstaff (Sung in English)

A Very English Falstaff

Ed Beveridge | London, England | 08/07/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This recording is based on a stage production at English National Opera (which I was fortunate enough to see) and it shows. There's a real feeling of ensemble and of enjoyment, and somehow understanding the libretto, with its plethora of comic details, really enhances ones enjoyment of the piece as a whole. It's well recorded and very well played under Paul Daniel, who (unlike Gardiner, for example) goes for the jugular and doesn't spare the booming brass. All the finer details are observed, though, and the moonlit romantics of the last scene are as delicate as one could hope for.The cast is excellent, headed by Andrew Shore's familiar Falstaff. Many have commented that he's not an "Italianate" singer, and he isn't, but he certainly has juicy vocal tone in all registers. He really lets himself be the servant of the words, sometimes slipping into speech, at other times giving the cantabile lines their due. One of the defining features of the opera is the way it flows freely from dialogue and chatter to big "operatic" melodies (almost satirising the composer's earlier work). This is a quality Shore has observed and incorporated into his endearing portrayal.The other men are no less good, notably Ashley Holland's young sounding Ford, with tone to spare in the Jealousy monologue, and Stuart Kale as a verbally piquant, excellently crabby Caius. Barry Banks, making his umpteenth appearance in this series, is again musical and reliable as Fenton.But, as is proper, it is the women who ultimately steal the show. Yvonne Kenny's Alice is mischievous, sexy, mocking and sincere by turns, and has bright, beautiful tone from top to bottom. She has the technique to negotiate the perilous corners of the role but to float the big lines as well. Alice Coote - a real rising star - is a plummy, engaging Meg, and Rebecca de Pont Davies is a quickly who (appropriately) sounds more mature than her years. How she shocks herself with the suggestion of "Menage a trois" in the second scene! The Nanetta is Susan Gritton, who sings gorgeously throughout and, yes, she doesn't disappoint in the Fairy Song.I's recommend this for those who are interested in hearing a real "dialogue" opera in the vernacular. The recording makes a powerful case for singing in the audience's language (in this case English. That said, independent of the fact that it is in English there is plenty besides to enjoy in this record."

An truly comic opera - great quality and great fun

KC | London, England | 12/15/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This most English of characters deserves to be heard in English. The orchestra and singing are first class. Andrew Shore is a truly funny Falstaff, and brings depth and pathos to this larger than life character. There are no significant weaknesses in casting and I was thrilled by the experience of hearing this opera in the vernacular.



This is Verdi's least "tune" filled opera and therefore understanding the text is even more important than usual. Well done to all concerned. We are lucky to have an English version of such outstanding quality."