Ep 3. Great Performances at the Met: Lucia Di Lammermoor
- October 2, 2022
Great Performances at the Met: Lucia Di Lammermoor is a stunning production of Donizetti’s tragic masterpiece, filmed in HD at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City. This episode, part of the iconic show’s 50th season, showcases the breathtaking talents of some of the world’s most renowned opera singers.
The production features Italian soprano Olga Peretyatko-Mariotti as the titular character, Lucia, a young and vulnerable Scottish woman who is torn apart by her duty to her family and her love for the dashing Edgardo, played by American tenor Michael Spyres. Lucia’s brother, Enrico, is portrayed by English baritone Mariusz Kwiecień, who delivers a nuanced and powerful performance.
The music is conducted by Italian maestro Roberto Abbado, who leads the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and Chorus with skill and passion. The famous sextet from Act II, one of the most iconic moments in all of opera, is a standout moment in this production, with the singers’ voices blending together in a hauntingly beautiful harmony.
The staging and set design, helmed by Tony Award-winning director Mary Zimmerman, bring the world of 17th century Scotland to vivid life. The use of projections and lighting add an eerie and dreamlike quality to the production, complementing the story’s themes of madness and supernatural forces.
One of the highlights of this episode is the behind-the-scenes footage, which shows the intricate work involved in staging an opera of this magnitude. We see the costume department painstakingly creating period-accurate clothing by hand, the stagehands moving massive set pieces with precision, and the performers rehearsing their roles with dedication and focus.
For those new to opera, Great Performances at the Met: Lucia Di Lammermoor serves as a perfect introduction to the art form. The story is emotionally gripping, the music is exquisitely beautiful, and the performances are masterful. For longtime fans of opera, this production is a must-see, showcasing some of the greatest talents in the industry.
Overall, Great Performances at the Met: Lucia Di Lammermoor is a triumph of artistry and storytelling. It is a testament to the enduring power of opera, and a fitting celebration of Great Performances’ 50th season.
