Verdi does it again with another captivating musical drama, described as a “pinnacle of 19th-century operatic tragedy“. His opera, Don Carlos, “highlights the themes of political oppression, struggle between love and duty, and afterlife – an ultimate escape from earthly suffering“. It’s one of the most dramatic operas I’ve experienced – from the first to last scene!
Background
Don Carlos takes place in Spain around 1560. It’s based on a 1787 play, Don Karlos, Infant von Spanien, by German playwright Friedrich von Schiller. Stage direction was by Mladen Sabljić. This premiere production, revived by Ivana Dragutinović Maričić, was supported by the National Theatre Orchestra, Choir, and Ballet, led by guest Spanish conductor Sergio Alapont. The magnificent sets and costumes were created in National Theatre workshops.
Theme
“Schiller’s play explores the turbulent relationship between Prince Don Carlos and his father, King Philip II of Spain. It’s set against the backdrop of 16th-century Spain, during a period of political intrigue and personal conflict. Don Carlos is portrayed as a passionate young man who struggles with feelings of betrayal and unrequited love for his stepmother, Queen Elizabeth de Valois, who was once his intended bride. The tension between father and son escalates as Philip, suspicious of Carlos’s ambitions, refuses to entrust him with any royal duties.”
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“The opera is elaborated down to the smallest detail, interwoven with Verdi’s ingenious potential for musical structure. As a playwright, Verdi followed the psychological process of drama development. No character, at the end of the opera, is the same as at the beginning.” narodnopozoriste.rs
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Versions
There are several individual versions of Verdi’s opera, varying from four to five acts, including a prologue and ballet. The five-act version lasts 4+ hours and is Verdi’s longest opera. The performance last night was portrayed in four acts. With two short breaks, it lasted almost four hours. Supertitles at the National Theatre were presented in Serbian Cyrillic. Although I’m familiar with the plot, I struggled a bit to keep up with the action – English supertitles would have been helpful. The opera singers were fantastic, especially the roles of Rodrigo Marquis of Posa, King Philip II, and Queen Elisabetta. The choir, ballet, and orchestral score were outstanding!
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“The plot focuses on the intense conflict between Prince Don Carlos and his father, King Philip II, during the Spanish Inquisition. Their complicated relationship is fueled by jealousy, forbidden love, and political intrigue. The opera highlights the struggles of duty versus passion, the solitude of power, and the tyranny of state and church.”
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Synopsis and History
Don Carlos is a complex opera depicting the “oppressive atmosphere of the Spanish court under Philip II“. This is a link to a written synopsis, and this simplified video summary explains the action, although last night’s “revived version” was unique.
Prince Don Carlo has a turbulent relationship with his father, King Philip II of Spain. The king promised him a beautiful French bride, Elisabetta de Valois, eldest daughter of King Henry II of France and Catherine de’ Medici. At the last minute, Philip “swept in and married her himself“.
Tragic Conclusion
In the end, Rodrigo is killed, and Carlos is arrested. In a final scene at the monastery of St. Just, last home of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, Carlos and Elisabeth bid a final farewell before being confronted by the King and Grand Inquisitor. They’re “saved by the intervention of the supernatural force of Calos’ grandfather – the ghost of Emperor Charles V“.
Cast
Guest soloists Daniel Magdal and Serban Vasile did an outstanding job portraying Prince Don Carlos and Rodrigo Marquis of Posa. Cast of the premiere revival of Don Carlos includes:
- Maestro Sergio Alapont – Guest Conductor from Spain
- Symphony Orchestra, Choir, and Ballet National Theatre
- Nenad Jakovljević Bass – King Philip II
- Sanja Kerkez Soprano – Queen Elisabetta
- Guest Soloist Daniel Magdal Tenor – Prince Don Carlos
- Dragana del Monaco Mezzo-Soprano – Princess Eboli Countess of Aremberg
- Guest Soloist Serban Vasile Tenor – Rodrigo Marquis of Posa
- Aleksandar Stamatović Baritone – Grand Inquisitor
- Vuk Matić Bass – Monk
- Nevena Đoković Soprano – Tebaldo Page
- Milica Strahinić Soprano – Voice from Heaven
- Slobodan Živković Tenor – Royal Herald Count of Lerma
It was another incredible evening of high-quality Belgrade opera!
