Mitridate, re di Ponto

Of the four Mitridate Re Di Ponto productions I've seen(Ponnelle's with Gosta Winbergh, Salzburg with Richard Croft, Graham Vick's with Bruce Ford and this one) it's this one that is my least favourite. That is not to say at all that it is not good, it is, just that the competition for this opera is so strong. This is still an excellent Mitridate, though the costumes, lighting and sets are not as opulent as the other three productions, the lighting in particular has moments where it is on the drab side. Musically it is superb. The orchestra boast some stylish and beautifully blended playing, the horn obbligato in Lunga Da Te is especially good, and the conducting is never rushed or plodding. Of the singing, Yvonne Kenny's Aspacia stands out, she has a beautiful voice especially in Nel Grave Tormento and her whole interpretation is one of lyrical pathos. Ashley Putnam makes for an appropriately impassioned and loyal Sifare, while Rockwell Blake sings the fiendishly difficult role of Mitridate with ease and is nasty and moving in equal measure. Brenda Boozer is wonderfully brash and intensely moving as the less loyal other son Farnace, Patricia Rozario displays Ismene's bitterness in a poignant way and Catherine Dubosc is a memorable Arbate. All in all, while my least favourite of the four Mitridate Re Di Ponto productions I've seen it is still excellent. 8/10 Bethany Cox