Vincenzo Bellini: I Puritani – Ana Durlovski

   in Opera Now (Apr, 2019)
Bellini’s I Puritani, filmed in Stuttgart, also proves to be a case of good ensemble over individual excitements. Jossi Weiler and Sergio Morabito’s production is quasi-original, a symptom of a contemporary Elvira’s schizophrenia that plunges her back into the 17th century. Once she’s there everything looks pretty traditional, so there’s nothing to scare the horses. It is mildly interesting but not as fascinating as it promises. Ana Durloski’s Elvira is vocally accomplished and well-moulded, and she’s a willing participant in the drama: René Barbera’s Arturo is also comfortable in his high-flying tessitura, but there’s no great sense of grand vocal thrill that these roles can provide. Gezim Myshketa offers a gravel …