Salzburg has – as one knows – abused Mozart during his
lifetime. Occasionally, to keep up this tradition, the Salzburg Festival comes
up with opera productions that are no less than abuse.
The only Mozart opera included in this year’s festival
is the Magic Flute. Lydia Steier – a name to avoid! – an American, who did not
understand what this opera is about, turned the Magic Flute into a children’s
fable, read by an actor in add-on bits between the arias. This may be the way
to explain an opera to Americans in the Midwest. It is totally absurd to do so
in Austria with the most-performed opera in the German speaking world. We do
not need your stupid texts, Ms. Steier. Take them home and stay there.
Sadly, the production was also not top quality
musically.
For the prices they charge, the state subsidy and the
commercial sponsorship they get, EVERY Salzburg production must be TOP quality.
It does not suffice, to be lucky with one’s Salome and Pique Dame. Salzburg
should not be allowed to produce less than the best; especially when it comes to
Mozart.
No comments:
Post a Comment