International Masterclasses of Vocal Arts Jerusalem

JStrauss: ‘The Bat’ Gerard Behar Center Jerusalem, September 1 ohann Strauss, in his opera The Bat (Die Fledermaus), performed by the International Masterclasses of Vocal Arts Jerusalem, portrays what Stephan Zweig called “The World of Yesterday,” when Viennese high society members had nothing better to do than going to parties and falling in and out of love.

The present performance lacked the typical Viennese elegance and nonchalance, concentrating instead on a more forced and blunt sense of humor. Dialogues were in English, which a professional opera house, such as the Israeli Opera would never do, but insist on performing in the original language, and the sung sections provided some unintentional humor by the awkward German pronunciation of some singers. Stage movement, though, was lively and resourcefully choreographed.

In the roles of Rosalinde and Adele, sopranos Sivan Keren and Dina Levit, charming though they were, shrieked too strongly on their high notes – something that the Master classes had not yet taught them to avoid. As Eisenstein and Dr. Falke, Eddie Mofokeng and Ognjen Milivojsa displayed sonorous, persuasive baritones.

Prince Orlofsky, a trouser mezzo – soprano role, was presented by Charotte de Mocassin in a suggestive female costume that didn’t leave much to the imagination of a male figure.

In the last act, some cuts were made which was not exactly a disadvantage – but a distortion of the original.

Pianist Adi Bar did his very best to substitute for an orchestra, but for a so-called “Masterclasses” effort, it was extremely amateurish to deprive its students of the experience of preforming with an orchestra, especially as Jerusalem boasts of several orchestras whose musicians might have been available.

As a student performance, it was a mildly amusing presentation, though not quite faithful to Strauss’ spirit.