Nicht nur wegen der siebenminütigen Arie ragte Einat Aronstein als Kleiner Chinese heraus. Mit klarem, hell leuchtendem Sopran und bis zum hohen D leichter Höhe überzeugte die in Trier engagierte 30-jährige israelische Sängerin
That's one side of the oppressive force in the society that Salome has been brought up in. The other is the religious moralising of the prophet Jokanaan, whose mystical imagery and phrasing presents an authoritative and attractive alternative, but Salome comes to find it also prohibitive. Disdainful of the earthly treasures promised by Herod, attracted to the condemnation of her despised step-father and his corrupt, vice-ridden world, and aroused by the alluring promises of Jokanaan (something that is very much brought out in the resonant bass register of the role), Salome reacts violently when neither of these patriarchal structures offer her any personal expression or freedom, but rather seek to further enslave her and any like-minded women with their own strong sense of identity and desires.
Bass/baritone Andri Björn Róbertsson brings real pathos to the tormented Craftsman
Andri Björn Róbertsson...compelling as the Craftsman.
The singers were superb throughout, all acting as well as they sang ... the Icelandic bass-baritone Andri Björn Róbertsson was imposing and dangerous in both operas.
...their interactions suddenly interrupted by the soliloquy of the mysterious Hunter Gracchus (sung with poise and gravitas by Andri Björn Róbertsson)
The Icelandic bass-baritone Andri Björn Róbertsson was outstanding as the Craftsman and Gracchus.