Vienna. (International).(Opera Review)

After Salzburg and Florence, Peter Steins much acclaimed production of Verdi's Simon Boccanegra reached the Vienna State Opera on October 14. More effective here than on the vast Salzburg stage, Stefan Mayer's modest sets (often only a plain horizon and the Council Chamber scene totally out of harmony with the rest) and Moidele Bickers sober costumes concentrated the attention on the music and the drama. Stein's direction has received praise from many sides. Certainly, the action in this third mounting is admirably clear, as is the very detailed acting he obtained from all the performers, some of those in the smaller roles gaining considerably over their previous showing, but one couldn't help wondering whether his concentration on the purely human side at the expense of the political background did not reduce the stature of this great, if not always appreciated work.

While the two previous showings shared the same conductor and much the same cast, a totally new team was assembled by the State Opera. Naturally, much of the attention focused on Thomas Hampson, making his debut in the title role. Right from the prologue he made a very noble figure, almost too noble for the young corsair, and, as expected, he pointed his words most expressively. Even more notable was the wealth of colors employed to bring out every facet: the dreamy, wounded ...