Prague Summer Nights 2017, Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte

Composé de quarante-trois jeunes instrumentistes stagiaires, l’orchestre se montre très discipliné sous la direction experte d’Arthur Fagen. .. la conduite semble chercher – et parvenir à – un rythme aussi allant que possible, sans compromettre les chanteurs et au besoin en les aidant par un léger ralentissement dans les passages où l’agilité est très sollicitée, et sans sacrifier pour autant ni les accents collectifs ni les scansions dramatiques.


Maurice Salles, July 1, 2017, Le Magazine du Monde Lyrique Forumopera.comArthur Fagen led the Chorus and Orchestra to some very rousing moments. The orchestra started off with a romantic and energetic overture, the music crescendoing and gaining momentum as it moved to the conclusion. Each repetition gaining more volume until it ended with explosive energy that previewed what was to come.
The orchestra supported the singers throughout the night, never getting in the way or covering them. Of course, it did resonate more than usual due to the lack of a pit. But it only created a more intimate setting that suited the opera.
Francisco Salazar July 2, 2017, www.operawire.com

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