West Wight Arts celebrated 70 years of bringing professional musicians to the Island on Saturday and did it in style with PopUp Opera performing Bellini’s I Capuleti e I Montecchi.
Vincenzo Bellini wrote this opera in 1830 in about six weeks not, as may be supposed, to the Shakespeare text but to a libretto by Felice Romani based on Luigi Scevola’s play Giulietta e Romeo (1818) although, of course, there is a nodding acquaintance with the original. He reused much of the music of his unsuccessful opera, Zaire, which was this time well received. One could surmise that being a Sicilian, the storyline of two warring families felt close to home.
Although perhaps not in the same league as his La Sonnambula or Norma, his trademark of melody is here in force between the opposing Capulets and Montagues and well served by the excellent singers of PopUp Opera.
This company, like the Troubadours of earlier times, arrive on the day; prepare their minimal sets in a location they probably have never seen before and only require a good piano to be provided and off they go. Their staging is inventive, although perhaps the lighting of this production should be seen as work in progress.
The quality of their singing is exceptional and a true feat of stamina for both performers and pianist. In particular, the roles of Romeo (sung by a mezzo soprano) and Giulietta are most demanding and, to a piano transcription as opposed to a full orchestra, there is little opportunity to relax or even breathe but opera singers are, of course, well known for their stamina and, as here, their good humour, talent and commitment.
The hall was packed for this special event and PopUp Opera were greatly appreciated by the audience, who no doubt are looking forward to the 71st West Wight Arts season, which begins in September.
Jackie Warner