Profile reviews
5The only principled character is Seneca, Nerone’s former tutor. His adherence to reason contrasts with the unlicenced indulgence of the others, his death unleashing the fullest expression of their depravity. Bass baritone Georghe Palcu plays the role of the philosopher contemplating his end with great dignity, his voice particularly suited the his aria about the joys of solitude.
In the lead roles Helen May as Poppea and Julia Portela Piñón as Nero combined artfully seductive ruthlessness and vocal bravura. They were well complimented by the grave, measured reflective tones of Gheorghe Palcu as Seneca.
Past Production Reviews
3Gheorghe Palcu and Sonny Fielding’s sharply etched Pallante and Lesbo
Armide, here in an enchanting revival by the enterprising Ensemble OrQuesta and Brazilian director Márcio da Silva, is generally recognized as one of Frenchman Jean-Baptiste Lully's masterpieces composd towards the end of his career in 1686.
He also was one of the very few singers who could manage a proper trill, so important in all Baroque music, but particularly French. Rosemary Carlton-Willis in the title role was a very accomplished actress portraying the complex range of emotions well. She also managed a couple of good trills, despite a rather strong vibrato. Other singers that I liked from this cast were Ashley Adams, Phénice, Helen May, La Glorie/Mélisse, John Holland-Avery, Ubalde, and Matthew Morgan stepping aside from conducting to sing the role of Un Amant from on high.
