Fierrabras Complete – You Know You're Curious, Go On, Check it Out

Yes this opera has its flaws—most of them dramatic. On the other hand, it has some really nice tunes, and this cast does a great job. While you're at it, you can try to suss out the reasoning behind the giant grand piano. Leave it to Claus Guth to give us something to chew while we listen to the pretty music.

You might be interested in reading my other posts about this production.

Gratuitous Friday – Kaufmann, Strehl, & Banse in Fierrabras

Eginhard, King Karl, Fierrabras,
Schubert, and Roland

The passion isn't very passionate, the drama isn't very dramatic, and the conflicts aren't very conflicted. Sadly, this opera doesn't have much going for it beyond the typically lovely song stylings of Schubert. And the music is indeed quite lovely.

Director Claus Guth addresses this lack of dramatic interest by inserting the composer into the action. It seems Schubert is still writing this opera as it's being performed, and in doing so, he is working out some of his own issues with his father. Note that four of the male characters (Eginhard, Roland, Fierrabras, and Brutamonte) are dressed just like Schubert – in case you weren't confused already.