I was at another performance of The Fizz yesterday - and delighted to see there Nicholas Kraemer, W11 Opera's co-founder and old friend from Glyndebourne and Chicago days. It was a great show. It had been already on Saturday afternoon, and the third performance was inevitably even better! This is a joyful beginning to the Christmas holiday season.
I then went on to the Royal Festival Hall forgetting that the performance of Fantasio was due to start at 7:00 instead of the usual weekday 7:30. I was crossing Hungerford Bridge from Embankment station as Big Ben struck 7. I only missed the overture and got in at the latecomer's pause at 7:10........no problem.
There is some delicious music in Fantasio - including a few suggestions of Hoffmann but with sunlight. And some very exuberant chorus stuff. There was a luxury cast including Sarah Connolly in the title role, and Russell Braun as the Prince, both magnificent, with Neal Davies, Robert Murray, Brindley Sherratt and Victoria Simmonds shining in supporting roles. They all demonstrated the benefits of five star casting throughout. And the undoubted star of the show from the public's point of view (and it seemed to be a full and distinguished house) was Brenda Rae as Elsbeth - a terrific last minute substitute for two previous casualties.
Whether the piece itself is destined for widespread revival is another question. But with advocacy as strong as that of Mark Elder, who conducted the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and these other splendid forces as only he can, one may be persuaded that this might be an undiscovered masterpiece - well who knows? And certainly Opera Rara, who recorded the piece at Henry Wood Hall last week, have another feather in their much adorned cap.
As for Offenbach - well Opera Rara were responsible for bringing Vert Vert to light with their recording of that now leading to production of the piece at Garsington next summer. Maybe one of the other summer festivals such as Buxton or Grange Park may be emboldened to give Fantasio an airing.
I personally have my doubts about fringe Offenbach despite the many delightful but fragmentary moments that they all contain. I am looking forward however to be confounded by Vert Vert this coming summer! I was certainly almost won over by last night's immensely enjoyable performance of Fantasio.
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