'Il Viaggio a Reims' (2007)

Opening thoughts: 'Il Viaggio a Reims' is admittedly not one of Rossini's best, being no 'Il Barbiere di Siviglia', 'La Cenerentola' and 'William Tell'. The story is weak and there are more memorable tunes in other Rossini operas, but the music is still lovely, the characters colourful and what happens does have a good deal of energy when well performed. It is not performed a lot, but what there is that's available in performance and on record is definitely worthwhile.

Was honestly expecting to not like this production at all. Did not really like the idea of seeing audience reactions constantly, which can come over as too cheesy and gimmicky, very variety show-like. While Mariinsky have been responsible so much excellent work, almost unequalled in Russian operatic repertoire, and same for Valery Gergiev in his early and mid stages of his career, Rossini and opera buffa are a very different kettle of fish for them. With them being better known for very heavy late 19th/early 20th century repertoire, and there was real potential for them to be completely out of their element. Was really surprised at how enjoyable the production was. It isn't a masterpiece by all means, but what this reviewer was expecting to come over disastrously didn't come over anywhere near as badly (while not entirely succeeding in a couple of instances).

Bad things: Beginning with the not so good things, Gergiev's conducting could have done with more lightness, his inexperience with Rossini and the style showing at times when he could have provided more energy in tempo.

It also didn't need the audience reaction shots, we didn't need to see as much the audience were enjoying it when it was already obvious in the atmosphere.

Good things: However, the production contains bright and colourful production values, with a lot of styles in the costumes on display time and place is not discernible as such but it is not too much of an ugly mishmash and in keeping with the variety show concept. The stage direction throughout is vibrant and breezy, is surprisingly always in good taste (surprising because of the concept having strong potential to be distasteful and full of gratuitous touches) and is always cohesive.

Musically, on the whole the production is of high quality. The orchestral playing is energetic, well rehearsed and has enough moments of having breathing space. The chorus are also surprisingly youthful vocally, without being taxed, and have a good deal of energy dramatically too. Found the performances to be excellent, with any inexperience in the style not being as obvious. Daniil Shtoda's capability of showing heft and grace in his voice is particularly impressive.

Closing thoughts: Overall, was very surprised in a good way by this production.

8/10.