Turandot, 2007
Photo: J. Reeder
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Review: Turandot
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Courier-Post (Robert Baxter)
Tuesday, 3/6/07
The curtain barely rose on Puccini's Turandot before the audience that crowded McCarter Theatre knew they were in for a special afternoon of opera.
Conductor Steven Mosteller took the measure of Puccini's opulent score from the five crashing chords that launch the opera. Then Matthew Burns uttered the Mandarin's proclamation in a firm, resonant baritone.
From that impressive opening, the New Jersey Opera Theater's semi-staged Sunday concert performance took flight.
Interest focused on Sharon Sweet. The American soprano left opera nearly a decade ago when health issues ended her stage career. She returned in triumph in the murderous title role of the princess who beheads all of her royal suitors.
Sweet began cautiously in the strenuous aria that introduces Turandot. She took a lyrical approach to the aria... When the vocal line blossomed to high B and C, Sweet's soprano rang out powerfully.
She was even better in the final act. Now in full control of her voice, Sweet sang impressively, as did everyone else in the cast.
As the prince who melts Turandot's frozen heart, Alan Glassman sang with thrilling intensity. In the confrontation with Turandot in the riddle scene, Glassman hurled high Cs that cut through the orchestra and chorus. His incisive, full-toned tenor rang out powerfully, but also caressed the lyrical arias.
Barbara Shirvis made a touching Liu. Her silvery soprano soared through the slave girl's shimmering vocal lines. Raymond Aceto brought a firm bass voice and a noble stage presence to Timur.
The ministers Anton Belov (Ping), Jonathan Green (Pang) and Joel Sorensen (Pong) sang suavely. Belov's attractive baritone sounded impressive.
Mosteller shaped a model performance. He paced the music admirably and summoned assured playing from the Westfield Symphony Orchestra. The Mendelssohn Club of Philadelphia performed the big choral scenes with distinction.
Siff staged the opera. He clarified the action with spare but appropriate movements. Adding to the effect were Patricia A. Hibbert's attractive costumes.
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