Paul Herriott brings us an Irish National Opera production of Berlioz’s Béatrice et Bénédict. Much like Elizabeth and Darcy in Pride and Prejudice, the age-old device of verbal sparring to mask true feelings of love or passion is employed to magnificent effect in tonight’s opera. Berlioz selected the sunniest and funniest elements of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing and set them to ravishing music to create this witty love-hate duel. Tricked into believing they love each other, the headstrong couple fall heavily for one another, once they realise that the merry war they have waged masks their true feelings.
The quarrelsome title couple are played by acclaimed Irish mezzo Paula Murrihy, and tenor David Portillo. Conducted by Ryan McAdams with narration by Fiona Shaw. The cast is a showcase of Irish talent including soprano Anna Devin, mezzo-soprano Niamh O’Sullivan, bass-baritones Padraic Rowan and John Molloy with UK based baritone Paul Grant.
This production was recorded at the National Concert Hall in Dublin on 1st October 2024.
RTÉ lyric fm, Saturday 22nd March, 7pm-10pm
