Word: libretto
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Dates: during 1970-1979
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...high-spirited one. Even an uncolorful production can't frustrate an audience of Gilbert and Sullivan-ophiles intent on enjoying themselves. But such a production does limit the real fun to those who can compensate for its limitation with their memories of other productions, their knowledge of the libretto and their sympathy for the material...
...like interludes. As Jeanne, Newcomer Barbara Hendricks from Little Rock, Ark., displayed a ravishing lyric soprano voice. Karl Brock not only handled the rigorous tenor lead role of Christoph with a convincing mixture of despair and bravado but also produced a splendid English translation of Egk's German libretto...
...added attraction to newcomers, the libretto is translated from the German into English, so the weak plot can at least be understood. A rescue from a heathen harem may not be improbable, but the ending of the story is. The clever translation tightens the dialogue, and fits the comic intentions of the author. ("He is but an honest simple soul"/"His head belongs upon the pole...
...fine orchestra, an English libretto, a convenient location and, particularly, Mozart's superb score make this production a fine opportunity for a first taste of opera. More experienced opera-goers may not find it so beguiling...
...libretto was a piece of hack work from a Parisian scenario factory run by an enterprising auteur of sorts named Eugene Scribe. Having just successfully completed Rigoletto and La Traviata with Italian Librettist Francesco Maria Piave, Verdi despised the messy French text with the passion he brought to everything...