Handel: Saul – Glyndebourne

   in Opera Now (Sep, 2016)
As this year’s Glyndebourne season closes and it prepares for its tour in October, there’s the opportunity to experience some of the 2015 festival’s offerings on DVD. Die Entführung aus dem Serail was a hit in David McVicar’s production. Like a Liotard pastel come to life, it’s a traditionalist’s turquerie dream, and explores the relationship between Konstanze and Pasha Selim almost forensically: Sally Matthews and Franck Saurel are up to the challenge, in her case aided by technically precise and excitingly smoky, sexy tone. Edgaras Montvidas sings stylishly as Belmonte; but, as ever, one wonders why Konstanze doesn’t stay in the harem – it certainly looks more fun. Mari Eriksmoen …