'Gianni Schicchi' is a comic opera in one act by Giacomo Puccini, libretto by Giovacchino Forzano, based on a passage from the tenth canto of Dante Alighieri's Inferno and forms part of a triptych. The world premiere took place 105 years ago at the Metropolitan in New York.
This opera is relatively short in duration. Director and also lead actor Damon Nestor Ploumis pulled an extra trick out of his hat to turn it into an evening-length performance. A touring opera company makes its appearance. The scene is virtually empty except for two tables, a few stools, an immense chest and cabinet and two room screens. Centrally sits an elderly figure fast asleep. When the orchestra, conducted by Federico Santi, begins, he wakes with a start. He settles everything down, reveals his identity: Dante in person. He introduces his traveling companions with expansive connecting texts and lets them shine. The sopranos Tineke Van Ingelgem and Karen Vermeiren figuratively cross swords in 'Viva resti servita'' from Le Nozze di Figaro by Mozart. There is also 'Amor ti vieta'' from the opera Fedora by the tenor Adrian Autard. Particularly beautiful was the 'Sextet'' from Lucia di Lammermoor by Donizetti in which the magnificent voice of baritone Koen Van Agtmael stands out. 'Cheti, cheti'' from Don Pasquale by Donizetti demands a tough and virtuosic display of articulation from Damon Nestor Ploumis and Kyle Bejnerowicz. Soprano Karin Vermeiren enchants the audience with the heartfelt aria 'O Patria mia'' from Aïda by Verdi with impressive vocal flourishes like garlands. A prelude bearing witness to a musical richness in which fascinating musical worlds were explored.
Smoothness, scheming.
Then the extremely austere décor undergoes a metamorphosis as several panels are pulled open and it becomes a colorful and warm interior, fine work by set designer Marnix Baert. The costumes by Hanne Geerts complete the spirit of the times.
The hypocritical family members who come to pay their last respects to the deceased Buoso Doaniti, a wealthy merchant, gather like grave robbers around his deathbed. Mourning and feigning sorrow in the superlative degree. The classical form of narrative pictorial reality.
Via the outside watch they learn that their wealthy uncle has bequeathed all his property to a nearby monastery. Great consternation! His closest family is left with virtually a fait accompli. So the hunt for the fortune begins. First and foremost the search for the will. In it their greatest fear proves to be true! The young Rinuccio, Buoso's nephew and in love with Lauretta, suggests contacting her father. Gianni Schicchi, known throughout Florence for his shrewdness and humor, is hastily summoned by the family members of Buoso Donati to devise an ingenious means to save them from an unfortunate situation. Initially Schicchi refuses to help them because of the disdainful attitude the Donati family, of Florentine aristocracy, had towards him, a man of the 'new rich'. But the pleas of his daughter Lauretta performed by a spirited Emma Posman (the famous aria 'O mio banbino caro'), in love with Rinuccio, the young nephew of Buoso Donati, force him to turn his no into a yes and devise a plan. To please his daughter, Gianni Schicchi gives in.
Greedily the heirs tell him one by one which part of the inheritance they want. The stage direction could have had more inventiveness and punch. The actions fall into clichés. Running in rows one after another, bumping into each other. The fuss with a corpse that gets stuffed in the cabinet, Schicchi having the notary draw up a new will and ultimately pocketing the entire inheritance himself…
The whole thing is somewhat shabby, lacks spirit. The setting is unique, the music sounds delightful, there is beautiful singing, the actors do what is demanded of them but the whole thing lacks bravura. 'La storia di Gianni Schicchi' is a funny and layered subject from which more can be drawn playfully. The ensemble work as generous group art is a positive aspect. With a director who also takes the lead role upon himself, the balance is lost and I remained somewhat unsatisfied.
Perhaps I am being too critical, the audience in any case responded enthusiastically.
WHAT: Summer opera Alden Biezen - premiere 'La storia di Gianni Schicchi', G. Puccini
WHERE: Alden Biezen
WHEN: Friday 26 May