Giovanna d'Arco, Felsenreitschule, Salzburg, Aug. 6, 2013

PROGRAMME DETAIL

GIUSEPPE VERDI • GIOVANNA D’ARCO
Dramma lirico in a prologue and three acts by Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901)
Libretto by Temistocle Solera (1815–1878), based on the drama Die Jungfrau von Orléans by Friedrich Schiller (1759–1805)

Felsenreitschule, Salzburg, August 6, 2013

Concert performance
With German and English surtitles
Duration of the opera approx. 2 hours and 15 minutes.

LEADING TEAM
Paolo Carignani, Conductor
Walter Zeh, Chorus Master

CAST
Anna Netrebko, Giovanna d’Arco
Francesco Meli, Carlo VII
Plácido Domingo, Giacomo
Roberto Tagliavini, Talbot
Johannes Dunz, Delil
Philharmonia Chor
Wien Münchner Rundfunkorchester

REVIEW
By Herbert
I have just returned from Europe's largest sauna - the Felsenreitschule in Salzburg, where I attended this afternoon the premiere of "Giovanna d'Arco". I must say: RESPECT for the singers, the orchestra, the conductor and the chorus, because it was really hot. Nevertheless, it was a fantastic concert in a sold-out house, and there were endless standing ovations at the end.
The cast was first class - Placido Domingo (Giacomo), Anna Netrebko (Giovanna) and tenor Francesco Meli (Carlo) filled the house with their voices and their personalities. When Anna sang Giovanna's death scene she appeared in the illuminated arcades of the Felsenreitschule (like in "Roméo et Juliette" in 2010!), walking in a golden dress like a Greek goddess from left to the centre, were she stood still and began to sing. It was awesome!
Another highlight was the duet of Placido Domingo and Anna in the third act - wonderful music and excellent singing! After the performance Anna and Placido Domingo appeared at the stage door for photos and autographs, and they were cheered by their fans. ORF has recorded the show and it will be broadcast on radio Ö 1 on 17 August 2013 at 7:30 p.m.

PHOTOS
All photos by Herbert