Jonas Kaufmann, Juliane Banse, Twyla Robinson
Chorus and Orchestra of the Zurich Opera House / Franz Welser-Most
Schubert: Fierrabras
The greatest mystery surrounding Fierrabras is why it is so named. Fierrabras is present for maybe half of Act 1, not at all in act 2 and only sings in ensembles in Act 3. It is as though Verdi called Otello Rodgrido. Fierrabras neither gets the girl nor dies. What gives? This production from Munich places the whole opera in Schubert's study complete with a huge grand piano, giant chair and Schubert himself furthering the action by supplying music, cues etc. In the finale the mystery is brought home as Schubert gives everyone except Fierrabras music to sing. Well, you weren't expecting Wagner let alone Weber were you? The plot is pretty undramatic and having the composer as musica ex machina doesn't hurt and may even give a little umph to the work. The plot concerns Charlemagne's fight against the Moors. Roland is one of the main characters. Fierrabras is the son of the Morrish king. But don't worry about the plot - listen to the music. This is Schubert and the melody flows in abundance. There are hints of Weber and the prison scene comes close to plagiarising Fidelio but Schubert pours forth glorious song without end. As said above the action has been moved into Schubert's study. For some reason all the leading men wear spectacles like Schubert. And there is a lot of business with blindfolds. But at least there are no trench coats in sight. The singers but they are all excellent, and Welser-Most has an obvious love for the score. Any lover of Schubert should savor this attempt at opera even though it is not a success.
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Price: $32.98