Exactly ten years after my first Capuleti e Montecchi at the Liceu in Barcelona, in a widely debated production with live satellite cinema broadcasts, I’m engaging again with this masterpiece by Bellini, again at the Liceu, again with a stellar cast. This opera is unique in nature within the output of the “prince of melody”, and I Capuleti e i Montecchi is rich in melody, culminating in the magnificent cantabile quality of the romanza, suspended within time that is both real and interior in Romeo’s prayer “Deh tu, deh tu bell’anima!”. It is an intense score, which fascinates from the opening sinfonia, a sort of manifest for Belcanto. The music in the two acts proceeds in the same direction and the orchestra is called upon to provide the voices with lithesome support. Here, as in the most unequivocally Belcanto masterpieces, the conductor has to optimise the sound of the orchestra so as to bring the vocal fabric into focus, taking care to bring out the solo timbres that highlight the most intricate psychological moments with their delicate nuances.

Belcanto, more subtle, complex and modern than lovers of stentorian emphasis are able to appreciate, never fails to surprise and captivate.

On stage at Teatre del Liceu: 30 Oct & 2, 5, 7, 8, 11 Nov

📷 Simone Falcetta