Two Druid priestesses fall for a fickle Roman proconsul, with tragic results.
Director: Gary Halvorson
Conductor: Carlo Rizzi
Time: about 50 B.C.
Place: Gaul
First performance at Milan, December 26, 1831
Just reading Simon's 100 Great Operas' synopsis shocked me. The high priestess (Norma), who controls whether her people go to war with the Romans, secretly has 2 children with the Roman proconsul, and _he_ is now in love (reciprocated) with a Vestal virgin, Adalgisa. Where she first advised against war, guess what changes when she discovers her lover's infidelity? But there are several other plot twists before the obligatory double death ending.
I didn't watch the production carefully. Set in Druid times, it's a dark and ragged production; even the high priestess is dressed in a burlap-y gown. (Oddly, Adalgisa sports her modern Sassoon-y short haircut.)
The music didn't enchant me, but the relationship between the 2 priestesses looked like it was worth further exploration.
My goal was to see if I should transfer this OTA broadcast to dvd, and the answer is yes.
Cast:
NORMA, High Priestess of the druidical temple Soprano : Sondra Radvanovsky
OROVESO, her father, the Archdruid Bass : Matthew Rose
CLOTILDA, her confidante Soprano : Michelle Bradley
POLLIONE, Roman Proconsul in Gaul Tenor : Joseph Calleja
ADALGISA. a virgin of the temple Soprano or Mezzo-soprano : Joyce DiDonato
FLAVIO, a centurion Tenor : Adam Diegel
Rated 7.8 (9)
MetOpera, cond. Rizzi; 7
