Die Zauberflote(The Magic Flute) I have always had a soft spot for. It is not Mozart's best plot-wise, but the music is really magnificent. This production is on the most part very goof. My only real complaint is some of the costumes, which are on the whole weird. Queen of the Night's is not so bad though I don't think it made Dessay sinister enough. Tamino however looks rather ridiculous. The sets though do have a fairy-tale-like look to them. Musically, it is much better, with whimsically stylish orchestral playing and robust chorus singing. The conducting is occasionally on the fast side, but I would have rathered that than a plodding and too broad reading if I were honest. Natalie Dessay fares best of the cast, she has a regal presence and her colouratura and technique never fails to amaze(though I think O Zittre Nicht suits her voice more than Der Halle Roche). Anton Sharinger's Papagaeno is charming and funny, Reinhard Hagen as Sarastro is noble and firm and the Pamina of Rosa Mannion is very poignant. Theo Adam is past prime but is a commanding Speaker still. Hans Peter Blochwitz sings beautifully, but doesn't do very much on the dramatic front with a role that is somewhat thankless in the first place. The Three Ladies blend nicely if perhaps going overboard in their acting at times. The three boys are adorable. In conclusion, the singing is great, the costumes not so much. 8/10 Bethany Cox
