The Opera Tattler

Reviews of Performances and their Audiences

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Ian Bostridge sings Winterreise

Ian-bostridge * Notes * 
Tenor Ian Bostridge is currently finishing a US recital tour with pianist Julius Drake. As part of this, Bostridge sang Schubert's Winterreise in Berkeley last Sunday, and it was clear he has a fine rapport with his accompanist. Both Bostridge and Drake were quite intent on the work at hand, rapt even, and there was an almost alarming intensity to their performance. Bostridge's evocative voice has heft and resonance throughout his range. One never doubted his commitment to both the Schubert's song cycle nor his translucent interpretation of it. Drake's dramatic playing was never dull, but he never failed to support the singer either.

* Tattling * 
One could not help notice that some ticket holders attending the Sunday matinée might have been put off by the seriousness of the performance, not to mention the lack of intermission. I was also surprised that an usher was assigned tickets in the middle of the row I was seated in, and she actually spoke during the music to try to get to her spot. The person at the end of the row refused to get up for her, and she was forced to take a more accessible empty seat.

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2 responses to “Ian Bostridge sings Winterreise”

  1. Jordan Eldredge Avatar
    Jordan Eldredge

    I was there as well. Did you notice that during the final song, ‘Der Leiermann’ a fly was buzzing around him and landed on his lapel? During on a break between phrases he subtly blew downward and got the fly to leave. It then circled his head a few time and finally left him alone.
    I also found his constant movement and eye-contact with the audience unusual for this cycle and was struck by his smile-less face during his curtain calls.

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  2. The Opera Tattler Avatar
    The Opera Tattler

    No, I wasn’t close enough to the stage to have observed Mr. Bostridge that closely. He did pace a lot, and had some very odd hand gestures! I liked how he refused to bow until Drake also stood up, and yes, it was noticeable how stone-faced Bostridge was during the ovation.

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