Saint-Saëns: Henry VIII
Sherrill Milnes (Henry VIII), Cristina Deutekom (Katharine of Aragon), Brenda Boozer (Anne Boleyn), Jacques Trussel (Don Gomez de Feria), Kevin Langan (Duke of Norfolk), Robert Schmorr (Earl of Surrey), Kenneth Cox (Cardinal Campeggio), Enrique Baquerizo (Archbishop Cranmer), Neil Wilson-Nease (Garter King of Arms), Nancy Carol Moore (Lady Clarence), et. al.
Conductor: Antonio Tauriello
San Diego Opera, 1983 – Sung in English translation
Yes, this is posted in the correct thread, despite the source being a YouTube “video.” In reality, there is nothing to watch except a photo of the conductor. After listening to the San Diego Opera’s performance, I share the opinion of OL members who consider this work underappreciated. The music is wonderful and there is plenty of drama – even if, as in the case of Donizetti’s Anna Bolena, certain plot elements are not historically accurate. In this instance, the librettist has invented a love affair between Anne and the Spanish envoy, Don Gomez de Feria, complete with an incriminating letter from the lady that comes into the possession of Queen Katharine. I’m usually not fond of operas sung in translation, but with Sherrill Milnes in the title role, I wouldn’t care if this had been sung in Martian. Were a commercial recording available, I’d grab it – though one hopes the sound quality would be better than what was obviously an informal taping at the opera house. (The video of the performance in the original French, clips of which are also on YouTube, is on the to-be-purchased list.) There are also powerful portrayals of Katharine and Anne by soprano Cristina Deutekom and mezzo Brenda Boozer, while tenor Jacques Trussel generally acquits himself honorably as Don Gomez – his high notes are on target, but occasionally, there’s a bit of strain perceptible. The role of Katharine is full of gripping scenes with wonderful music and would be a real plum for a top-notch lirico-spinto soprano, which again makes me wonder why this opera isn’t more popular.
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