Il Corsaro

Il Corsaro is not of Verdi's masterpieces, as much as I find the story lacking the music is great. Is it his worst opera? No, despite what I said in a previous Verdi opera review here I think I Masnadieri gets that vote. This was a splendidly done and worthy performance, let down only by Adriana Damato's costume, which was far too revealing, and Renato Bruson's wobbly and quite dry-sounding vocal production. The sets are very colourful though, while the costumes are tailored beautifully and suited to the period. The staging makes the most of what it has regarding the libretto, with some rousing and moving movements. The video directing has nothing annoying about it, and the sound is crisp. The orchestra play lovingly and powerfully, with great phrasing and rich textures, the chorus are energetic and never show disconnection to their music or drama and the conducting keeps things moving briskly. The performances are of a good standard too. Bruson is well past prime, but his Seid is very dignified, Adriana Damato is the very idea of a Prima Donna Abssoluta, Michela Sburlati's Medora is splendidly sung and acted and Zvetan Michailov is passionate and heroic with a virile voice. To conclude, liked it very much. 8/10 Bethany Cox