I learned today from Michael
Fabiano’s Facebook post that the new production of Carmen by Dmitri Tcherniakov at Aix-en-Provence is being broadcast on Arte.tv (but not
in the U.S.) and on France Musique radio (via website or phone app* ).
I am listening to it now as I type.
I am pleased with the musical performance but perplexed by the production. There
is a whole dialog** scene before the overture starts. Tcherniakov (as is
his wont) has layered a new concept over the opera, and the visual element (apparently)
is not what one usually expects from Carmen. The point is there is a lot going on that is not music. I want to see what's happening! Hence my Carmen Frustration.
As I listen, I tracked down a few
reviews in English, so I now have an idea what I am missing. The idea of
enacting Carmen as therapy*** is interesting
(though I doubt it would ever catch on over here in the U.S.) and I look
forward to seeing the realization. The production also stars a favorite mezzo:
I do have a quibble—one that is
pointed out by more than one reviewer: apparently Tcherniakov created this new
concept because couldn’t really “get into” the traditional bullfighter/gypsy/soldier
story. I echo one of the reviewers, wondering why T. accepted the job if he really
didn’t “feel” the opera.
