Friday Review
Bangalore
Chennai and Tamil Nadu
Delhi
Hyderabad
Thiruvananthapuram
Royal, all the way
MANGALA RAMAMOORTHY
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The Parma Royal Theatre Orchestra from Italy regaled the audience with an evocative performance in the Capital.
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When histories met The Parma Royal Theatre Orchestra performing against the backdrop of the Purana Quila.
It was an evening you prayed would never end. It was the day when Italy made its way into the heart of Indian music lovers with touching and illustrious performances by the famous Parma Royal Theatre Orchestra. For once the two timeless beauties m
et — the art from the Renaissance blended effortlessly with the regal Purana Quila, as the background.
Organised by the Embassy of Italy, in association with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and Delhi Tourism, the show saw the 67-member orchestra guided by one of the world’s best conductors Donato Renzetti. Leonardo Lopez Linares was on the Baritono (male), while Silvia Dalla Benetta was on Soprano (female).
The sound of history came calling, as the musicians performed a number of classical pieces from some of the well-known operas by Italy’s renowned maestros like Verdi, Donizzetti, Puccini and Rossini. The reason behind it was to acquaint Indians with these marvellous works, which are otherwise not performed often.
English translation
Though language was never a barrier for good music, the organisers ensured that every member of the 3000- strong audience got a notebook with English translation of each Italian piece in order of performance.
The evening began on a grand note with the entire orchestra performing Giuseppe Verdi’s “Nabucco”. Soon after, Leonardo was welcomed on the stage to perform Scene I from Verdi’s “Attila”. The very expressive Silvia came on to perform a scene from Gertano Donizetti’s “Lucia di Lammermor”. In her performance she also showcased her acting skills through her body movements. The members beautifully alternated between the three performers, choosing not to waste time between the different pieces. Giacomo Puccini’s “Manon Lascaut” and Donizetti’s “Maria Stuarda” were some of the other compositions.
Verdi’s “Luisa Miller” was clearly the best piece of the evening. It saw both Leonardo and Silvia coming together for the first time in the evening for a joint performance, complementing each other to perfection.
The orchestra signed off with Gioachino Rossini’s “Gulielmo Tell”. The piece started on a low tempo and picked up pace as it reached the climax.
But the audience had decided not to let the performance go so easily. As the members came on stage to bid adieu, the persistent demand for an encore ensured that they come together for one last performance.
The two used their voices magnificently to depict various emotions, if the rise in voice spoke of desperation and anguish, the fall spelt heartbreak.
The orchestra provided the right support, subdued sometimes and dominating when required. The lighting, which was otherwise apt for the evening, was a little too dim during the actual performances, which made it difficult to see the expression of the performers.
It was such a pleasure to see a show that started and ended on time, something which others need to follow.
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Friday Review
Bangalore
Chennai and Tamil Nadu
Delhi
Hyderabad
Thiruvananthapuram
|
