ROH, Recorded Live
Antonio Pappano conducts an impressive cast in this ravishing production of Puccini’s heart-rending opera.
Directors: Moshe Leiser, Patrice Caurier
Conductor: Antonio Pappano
Starring: Ermonela Jaho, Marcelo Puente, Scott Hendricks, Elizabeth DeShong
Puccini’s story of loving geisha Cio-Cio San’s tragic relationship with callous American naval officer B.F. Pinkerton is one of the world’s most popular operas. Set against an exotic Nagasaki backdrop drawn from 19th century western artists’ romanticised view of Japan, it’s a heart-breaking tale of love, honour and betrayal played out to a magnificently evocative score. Among the many highlights are such lyrical passages as the fabulous Humming chorus, Cio-Cio San’s seduction by Pinkerton, and, of course, her wonderful, impassioned aria ‘Un bel di’. Moshe Leiser and Patrice Caurier’s stunningly beautiful production features acclaimed Albanian soprano Ermonela Jaho singing the title role for the first time at Covent Garden, with exciting young tenor Marcelo Puente as Pinkerton. The conductor is Royal Opera Music Director Antonio Pappano, who’s renowned for his interpretations of Italian opera.
(2hr 45min)