Nabucco

I love opera, and I especially love Verdi. Nabucco while not my favourite of his operas, probably La Traviata, is albeit with an obsolete but interesting story as it progresses no exception. It is filled with the typical magnificent Verdi tunes you would expect, with tunes such as Va Pansiero it makes one wonder why Nabucco(Verdi's first masterpiece in my opinion) isn't performed more often.

Watching this 1979 production has not made me change my perception. While the brilliant 1985 production with Renato Bruson and Ghena Dimitrova is better being more dramatically powerful, the production benefits from fine singing and spectacular production values. My only real complaint is to do with a few moments of static staging, which diminishes the drama.

That said, the setting is truly wonderful, and the costumes are decent enough if garish. The orchestra play with real finesse complete with lively and musical conducting. The acting and singing is great and elevates the production to a higher level. The standout in as I said in my review of the 1985 production a very difficult role is Grace Bumbry as Abigaille, who is very believable dramatically and shows a limpid and beautifully tailored voice and technique. Ruggero Raimondi and Carlo Costa also impress, and Sherrill Milnes(who I will always admire no matter what is said about him) gives a very moving lead performance.

Overall, very good especially for the singing and music. 8/10 Bethany Cox