Beethoven, a rebel with a cause, saw most opera of his time as trivial. Luckily for us, this encouraged him to do something different that would last the ages, inspire and maybe even change the world: creating his only opera, Fidelio.
The drama chronicles Leonore’s search for her missing husband, Florestan, a political prisoner languishing away in chains under the control of Don Pizzaro. Leonore disguises herself as a young boy, Fidelio, to infiltrate the prison and find her husband.
But this is more than just a proto-version of The Great Escape with two lovebirds. Beethoven—a mad romantic and a master of the symphonic form—used all his ability in writing music with boundless emotion and striking energy that defined the epitome of freedom and love. In addition, the political overtones are abundant—bringing to mind our own time, where political prisons are still with us—from the rendition of “suspicious persons” to “the disappeared” of those who speak truth to power. One of the greatest moments in Fidelio is the prisoners’ chorus, “O welche Lust” (“O What a Joy”), which embodies the moment when one experiences freedom after a long, dark night of the soul.
Director Eric Einhorn—who has won critical acclaim across the country for his productions, recently for Carmen and Dialogues des Carmelites—should bring a fresh take on Fidelio. Tenor Corey Bix and soprano Brenda Harris will bring the visionary love of Florestan and Leonore alive against the tyranny of Don Pizarro, played by tenor Mark Schnaible. (Dallas Robbins)
Utah Opera: Fidelio @ Capitol Theatre, 50 W. 200 South, 801-355-2787, Oct. 8-16, $16-$85. UtahOpera.org, ArtTix.org
Date: Oct 8, 2011
Time: Times Vary
Phone: 801-355-2787
Address: 50 W. 200 South, Salt Lake City, 84101
Where: Capitol Theatre
