In review: from around the world: Munich.(International ... Leonora)(Opera Review)

Although it's generally true that each of Beethoven's many revisions strengthened Fidelio, the original version, Leonore (from 1805), is a revelation, surprising whether the music is unfamiliar or familiar. The Theater am Gartnerplatz's new production (seen Oct. 26) was Munich's first staged performance of the work, and it represented a tremendous challenge for the Gartnerplatz Orchestra, unused to playing such a symphonic score. Although clearly lacking the depth of Romantic sound required and often stretched to and beyond its technical limitations, the orchestra acquitted itself admirably. The company's general music director, David Stahl, once again inspired his players (and singers), choosing tempos to create an aura of ever-increasing intensity.

However, much of Stahl's concentrated energy was negated by director Hans-Ulrich Becker's misguided production. Act I took place in a mausoleum-like laundry room, complete with huge washing machine. The prisoners ironed shirts as if sedated, sometimes sitting with paper bags over their heads. In the prisoners' chorus, there was no sense of fresh air, since everyone was inside, standing on chairs. Crazed from the start, the murderous Don Pizarro dressed in drag in Act III. The final apotheosis turned into a made-for-television publicity ...