I don’t know if there are statistics on the subject but I would feel pretty sure that Madame Butterfly would be considered the world’s favourite opera. It is the most tuneful with some of the prettiest songs in the whole opera canon and, arguably, has the most tear-jerking ending. There is also the opportunity for exotic sets and costumes. What else do you need? However, there are some purist opera lovers who, rather uncharitably, dismiss Madame B and in fact Puccini in general, as sentimental slush. But I think those are the ones that like their opera to be exclusive and elitist and are in the “if it’s popular it can’t be good” camp. Maybe I am just a sentimental old fool but I don’t mind admitting to having a very soft spot for Madame Butterfly.
The current production is brought to us by the State Opera of Komi and is presented by the Russian State Ballet and Opera House which tours Russian ballet and opera around the UK twice a year.
When the curtain rose there was an audible murmur from the audience as the beautiful, willow-pattern set was revealed – predictable perhaps, but very effective nonetheless. This opera is one that should always be presented in the traditional manner and anyone who thinks they can tamper with it in any way does so at their peril.
The first act of Madame Butterfly is carried by the two men and last night the singing from Mikhail Makarov as Pinkerton and Andrei Kovalev was excellent. Makarov has a fine, effortless voice and looks good as well, always a bonus in a romantic lead. Mr Kovalev was convincing throughout as Consul Sharpless but I’m afraid his music-hall-comedian suit was very wrong.
From the moment Olga Giorgieva entered over the little wooden bridge she held the stage. She sang beautifully and had an innocence and a coquettishness that made her heart-breaking downfall all the sadder. There were certainly a few damp hankies in our part of the stalls. Her Un bel dì (One Fine Day) was outstanding and probably the high-spot of the evening, although Pinkerton’s Dovunque al mondo is my favourite song in the opera and was beautifully sung by Mikhail Makarov. Galina Malikova also deserves a mention as the loyal Suzuki who is unable to alleviate Cio-Cio-san’s misery.
The orchestra, under the baton of Azat Maksutov, played with great sensitivity and was not afraid to let itself go on the louder, more dramatic moments.
Apart from a few reservations about the costume of Sharpless and the uniform of Pinkerton – which looked more Russian that American, this was an admirable production with excellent singing and some fine, credible performances from the principals. ★★★★☆ Michael Hasted 13th February 2016
