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.

Billy Budd ROCKS the Paris Opera

Billy Budd, Opéra Bastille Paris, April 24, 2010

Jeffrey Tate    Conductor
Francesca Zambello    Stage Director


Kim Begley Edward Fairfax Vere
Lucas Meachem Billy Budd
Gidon Saks John Claggart
Michael Druiett Mr Redburn
Paul Gay Mr Flint
Scott Wilde Lieutenant Ratcliffe
Andreas Jäggi Red Whiskers
Igor Gnidii Donald
Yuri Kissin Dansker
François Piolino The Novice
John Easterlin Squeak