Gianni Schicchi

Gianni Schicchi as part of Il Trittico is Puccini's only comedy opera. It is not my favourite of his, but it is very charming and fun. As well as witty, this performance is also charming and fun. Aside from the witty comedy, the beautiful music(including the beautiful O Mio Babbino Caro), lush orchestral playing and commanding conducting, it's the singing that drives this performance. The standout is Gabriel Bacquier, he has a very pleasant voice and is a brilliant actor, his Gianni Schicchi is one of the better ones I've seen in this role. Faith Esham is a thoughtful and moving Lauretta and Fedora Barbieri while not at her very best(my favourite has always been Azucena in 1957's Il Trovatore) is a well-characterised Zita. Rinucchio is solid if nothing exceptional. All in all, fun, witty and charming, worth seeing for Bacquier alone. 9/10 Bethany Cox