Opera North’s Cosi Fan Tutte comes highly recommended
Even while the overture is playing, a character we will later know as Don Alfonso – Quirijn de Lang – strolls on stage and stares out at the audience. So opens Opera North’s production of Cosi fan Tutti – Mozart and Lorenzo da Ponte – at Leeds Grand Theatre.
High on the back wall of the set there is a round decoration – the lens of a microscope and we, the audience, are under scrutiny just as we were from Don Alfonso a moment ago.
As the action unfolds, this apparently lightweight comedy of manners is inviting us to examine our own morality, our own sense of loyalty, our personal concept of honour. It seems a carefree vehicle to be carrying such a demanding load.
The essentials of the plot are that two sisters, Fiordaligi and Dorabella, Alexandra Lowe and Heather Lowe respectively, are in love with two soldiers, Guglielmo and Ferrando, Henry Neill and Anthony Gregory.
They are apparently devoted, perhaps unrealistically so. The philosopher Don Alfonso lays a bet that if the two men test the women by leaving for a tour of duty, but return in disguise, the women will be tempted into a new relationship. In order to enhance his chances of success, Don Alfonso secures the involvement of maid Despina, Gillene Butterfield, equally as cynical as Alfonso.
The weight of the moral choices seems to fall most heavily on Fiordiligi who agonises over loyalty to Gugliemo and the attractions of her new lover.
Alexandra Lowe’s powerful soprano is deployed to good effect as she explores her options in demanding arias that test her breath control and range. Meanwhile, her sister seems to have little trouble in returning her new lover’s affections. Good choice in casting here as Heather Lowe’s voice is much lighter and perhaps more subtle in capturing delight in having another man admire her charms.
Opera North favourite Quirijn de Lang yet again displays how capable he is of disappearing into his stage character.
No Opera North Chorus, just the six principals and the orchestra under the direction of Clemens Schuldt.
Cosi fan Tutti is highly recommended and is at Leeds Grand Theatre until February 23 and then touring.
Mike Tilling