La guerre et la paix

Sergei Prokofiev's opera version of Leo Tolstoy's sweeping novel (which originally appeared in serialised form in a newspaper)lends exactly the right balance of lyricism, drama and tragedy to the subject. Here are no separate arias a la Italian Opera, linked with endless recitatives. The music is a continuous line of instrument and voice changing with every scene and its context. The production gives the music and libretto its full due. It's lavish in its simplicity and vice versa. From the opening scene with Natasha and her cousin in the bedroom and the count eavesdropping outside, to opulent ball room dances and grim personal confrontations, it runs like a river in flood to the inevitability of war. Sung in the original Russian, with a number of Russian singers in the lead roles, it unfolds like the novel in chapters that are page turners. Obviously the entire novel cannot be reproduced, but score, libretto and production do it full justice. The singing is of the highest standard with Nathan Gunn and Olga Gouriakova as the star-crossed lovers excelling vocally and in acting. Vasilli Gerello as Napoleon shines, but then so do Robert Brubaker, Anatoli Koucherga and the rest of the cast. Not to forget the chorus and dancers. Hats off as well to conductor and chorus master Staging the opera is problematic as there are quite a number of soloists involved and to make the war scenes realistic virtually hundreds of chorus members are required. The set designs assist Stage Director Francesca Zambello in creating a panorama of death and destruction. So do the costumes and lighting. This is highly recommended for lovers of serious music and those who prefer Deutsche Oper (with the exception of that Night Music composer) and Russian Opera to the frills and shrills of the Italian oeuvre.

Prokofiev's WAR AND PEACE is not as huge, size wise, as Tolstoy's novel, but it comes close.

Over 3 and a half hours long, the main problem for every theater is that there are very many different settings within the two parts of this epic opera.

Stage Director Francesca Zambello (When will we finally get her 'Amahl and the Night Visitors' on DVD ??!!!!!) has found a solution to that problem that is as eloquent as it is effective. Everything on stage as well as the floor itself moves and shifts and gives us a new setting for every scene. Minimalism within a rich and lavish production; an exciting combination !

The use of color and of lighting is very convincing too. And the sheer numbers of chorus and actors and soloists on stage is breathtaking.

Prokofiev's huge opera has found a good home in France, and on the TDK DVD. And the delicate balance of a doomed love set in a grizzling war shines through, from the very first minute till the last bow of the players. In the cast there is no weak link, and it would be too harsh to single anyone out (but boy, does this Nathan Gunn gives some superb performance here !!).

This is Grand Opera, and a majestic viewing !

War and Peace is a huge opera and extremely difficult to stage with so many soloists, actions and possibly one of the largest required chorus numbers in the history of opera. This Paris production does a magnificent job with it. Some may be put off by the cuts, which is almost half-an-hours worth and most of it is with the war. However, if you are more concerned about the quality of the singing, staging and such then I can see no reason for you to not see it. It is a fine-looking production, the sets and costumes are very handsome and are very atmospherically lit. The video directing and sound are excellent. The staging was remarkable, considering the scope needed. The war scenes are really compelling with a lot of psychological subtlety and there are no awkward scene changes. The orchestral playing manages to be both beautiful and powerful, and Gary Bertini's conducting is brisk and authoritative. The chorus make such a rousing and full-blooded sound and communicate very well. The principal singing is just another part of why the production works so brilliantly. I like very much Olga Guryakova's girlish timbre, which is well suited to the role of Natasha. Nathan Gunn, aside from his handsome looks and warm voice gives a very moving performance as Andrei, especially in the tear-jerker that is his death scene. Robert Brubaker sings very believable and succeeds in conveying the timid and brave characteristics of Pierre. Anatoli Kotcherga is outstanding in his Act 2 monologue. In conclusion, a spectacular production, a must. 10/10 Bethany Cox