Armida: an opera by Gioacchino Rossini
Concert performance sung in Italian

Performers Cecilia Gasdia (Armida); Bruce Ford (Rinaldo); Paul Austin Kelly (Ubaldo); Kenneth Tarver (Gernando); Barry Banks (Goffredo); Darren Abrahams (Eustazio); John Relyea (Idraote); Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Carlo Rizzi (conductor); Scottish Opera Chorus, Fergus Shiel (Chorus master)
Venue Usher Hall
Address Lothian Road Edinburgh
Reviewer Kenny Morrison

This very male-heavy opera is a rarely performed gem. It doesn't contain many great tunes, which, of course, Rossini is famous for, but it is some of the most intricate and intelligently written Rossini I have heard. It calls for six (!) solo tenors and has a great lead soprano part, taking coloratura singing to a very high level. And the cast was extremely well chosen. There were some worries beforehand, expressed by members of the festival directorship, that Cecilia Gasdia wouldn't be up to the role. She has been out of the limelight for some time, and hasn't recorded anything for ages, but I think those fears were basically unfounded. Her voice may not have been quite powerful enough, especially next to the chaps, but there was such sweetness about her tone that one could very easily forgive her that.

It was also another chance to hear John Relyea's incredible bass, if you missed him in Les Troyens. I've rarely heard such a voice. I think, with such power and such grace, he could sing just as easily as a Russian basso profundo. All the male voices were really wonderful. Barry Banks' emotive tenor may not be to everybody's tastes, but was perfect in the role. The highlight for me, however, was Kenneth Tarver. He had such perfect technique. A pure, finished, professional and really very beautiful voice, I would love to hear more of him. He sat completely still and, while singing, looked completely unemotional but his voice was exquisite. Not a showman, perhaps, but then he really doesn't need to be.

The Scottish Chamber Orchestra (though I'm sure they must be absolutely exhausted, with such a busy schedule this festival) played very well. Though I often think they can be a bit uneven, tonight they played difficult Rossini with a very fine orchestral sound, and with a great deal of poise and elegance.

So here's to serious Rossini. It's never played and there is some very lovely music in it. Bruce Ford, tonight's Rinaldo, has just released an album dedicated to it, so perhaps its profile is rising.

© Kenny Morrison. 27 August 2001