Billy Budd in Paris - 2nd go

I couldn't resist and this past Monday I went to see Billy Budd  at Opera Bastille again. So it's been 10 days since I saw la prima --that I liked very much (see this entry)-- and now I could appreciate more the details of this production. At the premiere I particularly enjoyed the Act-2 because that's where most of the action occurs. This time, instead, I enjoyed Act-1 more:  Francesca Zambello really did a brilliant job to introduce the characters and define relations among them in a basically spontaneous way. She never resorted to decor to do her job. The sets are there to support the action and not to define the personal side of the show. This show kinda makes for all the disappointment I felt after seeing her Carmen and Don Giovanni at the ROH.

 Jeffrey Tate

This time I also enjoyed the subtleties of the Maestro Jeffrey Tate's conducting.  You could tell he feels this music deeply, and when added to his huge experience with Britten's music, you get this singular style that makes this score breathe an extra life. He keeps all the dramatic moments perfectly at their place, but the intensity of music never falls, his attention to every line of the score remains constant and the result is delightful. One element that I liked very much (that the Puccini fans probably wouldn't like) is that Tate emphasizes the emotional moments dramatically too, but with no pathos at all.  Nothing vulgar - just plain classy!
Tate's conducting is maybe that extra-reason why I liked this time Act-1 more than Act-2.

  Kim Begley and Gidon Saks

I also enjoyed Gidon Saks more than I did the first time. I definitely felt he was better than on the night of la prima. His scenic and vocal authority were absolutely remarkable. As for the others, I stick to my previous comments and admire the show, the cast, chorus, orchestra...

  Lucas Meachem

Lucas Meachem is only in his early 30's so his voice is still wonderfully flexible, but it's big, and he's in total command of it. Big guns and he knows how to use them! His voice is leaning towards the dramatic side of the spectrum, so I don't expect to see him in any of the lacrimosa roles. He was superb like on the premiere. He cleverly sang through Act 1 to save the best for the last half hour or so, when both him and Kim Begley rocked! I should also mention the excellent performance by François Piolino. He got a big ovation of the crowd too.

This production is musically similar to that of Werther this season at the Paris Opera: all the roles are sung impeccably, chorus and the orchestra are at their best too.