Excellent Pique Dame From Unexpected Source
Tchaikovsky's Pique Dame is an opera that has much in it to enjoy in its wonderful music and it's ghost-story, manic-obsessive plot. For me it has always played better than the other Tchaikovsky operas, including Onegin.
Here it comes to us from Barcelona's Teatro del Liceu with a thoroughly international cast. The cast is strong: Misha Didyk as Hermann, a voice with an appropriately non-italianate timbre though reminiscent of a darker-hued Bergonzi, powerful and lyrical, an eloquent and musical tenor I had not heard before; Emily Magee sings a a very fine Lisa, hers being a full-voiced, focused spinto with a nice dramatic edge, again, a new voice for me; the wonderful Ludovic Tézier as the Prince, elegant and resonant, has a fresh voice, and a fine line for the legato of his beautiful aria; and in the role of the old countess my favorite "ham" and grande-dame of all, the voice still powerful, the presence totally commanding, the great Ewa Podles: she brings...
Very satisfying production
The Pique Dame that I was quite familiar with is the Kirov/Mariyinsky/Gergiev production with Grigorian (Hermann), Gulegina (Lisa) and Filatova (Countess). I can quite confidently state that this particular production is in every which way as good in most parts, lacks a bit here and there and better in others.
Herman's part is very very well sung and enacted by Misha Didyk the young Ukrainian tenor. The men do a great job with the vocals, Yeletsky by Ludovic Tezier and Lado Ataneli as Tomsky. The Liceu chorus sound great throughout.
However, Emily Magee is no comparison to Gulegina in the Kirov production. She just does not come as through for her role, with her acting leaving much to be desired. The suicide scene here is a real damp squibb which by itself pulls down one star.
But Ewa Podles, is the best Countess I have ever seen and heard in the 4 productions of this Opera I have seen on DVD.
The dances of the second act are something to marvel...
The Queen Has Finaly Arrived
Pikovaia Dama (Queen of Spades) has been my favourite Tchaikovsky opera along with "The Maid of Orleans". I have many fine performances of Pikovaia Dama and whilst they are very good productions; THIS production from Barcelona's Gran Teatre del Liceu TOPS THEM ALL. Not only with an award winning cast, but with every small detail. Costumes, sets, lighting, movement to effects. It does not get any better than this. Who else on this planet could play the countess but Ewa Podles. Her performance is electrifyingly brilliant and her acting ability is second to none. Emily Magee if a formidable Lisa, her voice just fills the theatre and the timbre is perfect for the role. She too can bring you to your knees with her performance. Misha Didyk's Herman is just as commanding, his voice pitched right for the part and frighteningly almost evil to the point of his desperation on knowing the secret of the three cards. Ludovic Tezier's Prince Yeletesky is powerful but not overdone. He is the best I...
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