Word: azucena
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Dates: during 1960-1969
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Psychological Drama. Last week the Met gave its first performance of Merrill's new production of // Trovatore. Although critics have traditionally complained about the absurdity of the libretto, Merrill contends that Trovatore is "a psychological drama that must be seen from the viewpoint of Azucena, a demented woman whose entire life is focused on avenging her mother's death." Merrill therefore has placed his singers against scenery-designed by Attilio Colonnello-that he describes as "consciously bizarre and unreal, to set off the singers as real people...
Musically, the production, which was conducted by Zubin Mehta, was a stunning triumph. Grace Bumbry as Azucena brought to the part a strong mellow voice and some of the best acting ever seen at the Met. Leontyne Price as Leonora, Sherrill Milnes as the count, and Placido Domingo as the count's brother all shone musically as they were fatally drawn into the vengeful scheming of Azucena and the doom-filled mood of Merrill's production...