The Opera Tattler

* Notes *

The Barber of Seville (finale pictured, photograph by Cory Weaver) was performed for the third time this summer at San Francisco Opera. It was fascinating to hear the first cast, which I missed last week. The singers are so different and it is such a joy to hear the various interpretations of Rossini’s work.

The orchestra under Maestro Benjamin Manis was still less than crisp, though less mushy than the Wednesday performance.

Baritone Renato Girolami was amusing as Doctor Bartolo by taking himself very seriously, with a gravity that suited the pompous character. Tenor Levy Sekgapane (Count Almaviva) is plaintive, reedy, and quite light. His sound is unique, quite distinct from the tenor in the other cast. He did well in his Act II aria “Cessa di più resistere,” which is often cut.

Mezzo-soprano Maria Kataeva has a sultry voice with much depth and a certain throatiness. She moves well as Rosina, whether it is twirling her hair or playing castanets, she is convincing.  Baritone Joshua Hopkins is charismatic in the title role. He did sound a little constrained in his upper register to start but his patter is incredibly fleet and impressive.

* Tattling *

A phone rang during the trio of Rosina, Almaviva and Figaro in Act II.