Rome.(In Reviews: from around the world: International)(Francesca da Rimini at the Teatro dell'Opera)(Opera Review)

Zandonai's Francesca da Rimini (1914) is perhaps best described as an Italian equivalent of Tristan und Isolde, in which the two lovers--Francesca and Paolo--are instantly murdered, rather than being lengthily lectured to, by the cuckolded husband (who is also Paolo's brother), Gianciotto. And although the opera does not remotely rival the depth, scope and originality of Wagner's work, it does have a certain decadent charm, which derives from the combination of overripe scoring, telling vocal turns of phrase (particularly in the Act III love duet) and a sultrily suggestive libretto by Gabriele D'Annunzio (adapted by Tito Ricordi), which had already won acclaim as a stage work star ring Eleonora Duse.

Alberto Fassini's new production at the Teatro dell'Opera presented a sort of stage within a stage (designed by Mauro Carosi) placed behind an ominous tomb reminding us of the lovers' destiny. This allowed for a number of striking tableaux, with the Pre-Raphadite elegance of the lovers contrasting with the brutality of Gianciotto and his other brother, the envious, one-eyed, Malatestino. Yet it also distanced the audience from the action, both psychologically and literally, making it difficult for singers to ride the orchestra ...