EIF – Cosi Fan Tutti at The Usher Hall

Opera is best when fully staged, but the expense of such productions means that it is becoming increasingly difficult to manage more than a few of these handiworks in a year.

A fine alternative is to have a concert realisation – whilst tending to lack the grandeur of colourful costume and elaborate sets, the singers can still express the story via action as well as voice.

In this execution of Mozart’s Cosi Fan Tutti, even the conductor, Maxim Emelyanychev, was included in cameo bits of the action. The Scottish Chamber Orchestra acquitted themselves with fastidiousness and style. Each of the principals discharged their roles with passion and joy. The SCO Chorus duly filled in the rest.

This satire always provides for chuckles, but this version was even more comical in the best conceivable way. In fact, when I wasn’t laughing, I was smiling through the entire 3½ hours. Especial mention needs to go to Hera Hyesang Park as Despina who stood out for me in her varied voices and portrayal of sarcasm. And Christopher Maltman as Don Alfonso embodied the driving cynicism of the story marvellously. But I need to add that the depictions by the other singers were also impressive, and the singing of all was splendid.

Joyous.

https://www.eif.co.uk/events/cosi-fan-tutte

Scottish Chamber Orchestra 
Maxim Emelyanychev Conductor & Fortepiano

Scottish Chamber Orchestra Chorus
Gregory Batsleer Chorus Director

Golda Schultz Fiordiligi
Angela Brower Dorabella
Hera Hyesang Park Despina
Josh Lovell Ferrando
Huw Montague Rendall Guglielmo
Christopher Maltman Don Alfonso

Mozart Così fan tutte