Giordano: Andrea Chenier – Antonio Pappano

   in Opera Now (Nov, 2016)
In the booklet to Einstein, Glass makes the point that the innovative work he and Wilson created has been pushed to one side by Hollywood realism in theatre and opera. Andrea Chénier, filmed last year at Covent Garden, is a prime example of this. Finding David McVicar’s production a rather emotionally muted and visually spartan affair in the opera house, I think it comes across very handsomely on film. If the thought of Glass fills you with dread, this is probably for you (and indeed vice versa). It’s traditional, opulent and glossy from gavotte to guillotine: you almost expect it to star Norma Shearer and Tyrone Power with ‘Gowns by Adrian’. …