Valerian Ruminski / Recensioni

It's a minor note, but Villa and Packard are not convincing as biological brothers. They do not look at all alike. Also, Packard is just too dreamy and handsome to be a convincing villain. His voice is rich and full of soul. You feel his love for Leonora as genuine, and marvel that she could turn him down. Well, doesn't "Il Trovatore" demand suspending disbelief?

John Packard, who appeared as the Count di Luna in "Il Trovatore" last weekend and as Rigoletto last year, dominated as Captain Michele. You felt his agony and his anger. It was all arresting. You couldn't look away. A highlight was the duet between Georgetta and her husband -- a famous, soaring, passionate interlude. Packard, with his understated power, kept the music from going over the top and becoming melodramatic. Much rides on how various Micheles choose to utter that terrible last word, "Slut." Some shout it out. Packard pronounced it with weary bitterness. It worked.