Brent Reilly Turner / Ocene

The counterpart to the soprano’s big moment is Florestan’s heroic aria, opening Act II: “Gott! Welch Dunkel hier!” (God! How dark it here), and Brent Turner tossed it off as if it wasn’t a killer of tenors. Both Mecum and Turner sang “big,” but without showing any effort. Their triumphant love duet in the finale — “O namenlose Freude!” (Joy without name) — was exhilarating.

The only disappointing aspect of Brent Reilly Turner's performance as Florestan, Leonora's imprisoned husband, is that he isn't on stage until the second act. But that's Beethoven's fault. Mr. Turner's performance was completely without fault; it was stunning. A New York City-based heldentenor making his West Bay Opera debut, he possesses amazing vocal strength, color and depth that convince from the first note out of his mouth.