State opera criticism

Princess Turandot slaughters princes again!

Selene Zanetti (Liù) and Elena Pankratova (Turandot)(Bild: © Wiener Staatsoper / Michael Pöhn)

Puccini's classic "Turandot" celebrated its revival at the Vienna State Opera with the Russian Elena Pankratova in the role of the Chinese princess. Conclusion: a sovereign repertoire evening!

Turandot, the "ice-belted princess" and butcher of princes, asks her deadly questions again at the Staatsoper: Elena Pankratova dominates the Puccini revival in Claus Guth's ambivalent production, which has been turned into a psychodrama with a North Korean flair. A competition of great voices! Pankratova is a Turandot with a giant organ-like soprano. She effortlessly covers the orchestra in the aria "In questa regia" and the riddle scene. Her voice is ice-cold and sharp, but she fails to convey the trembling and fear of losing to Prince Calaf.

Carlos Osuna (Pang), Martin Hässler (Ping), Hiroshi Amako (Pong) and Michael Fabiano (Calaf)(Bild: © Wiener Staatsoper / Michael Pöhn)

Michael Fabiano (Calaf) and ensemble(Bild: © Wiener Staatsoper / Michael Pöhn)

Elena Pankratova as the acclaimed Turandot(Bild: © Wiener Staatsoper / Michael Pöhn)

She finds her way to warm, luminous piano passages in Act 3. Selene Zanetti's melodious soprano is convincing in her Liù debut: the high notes are powerful, but the emotions seem a little less differentiated. The US tenor Michael Fabiano was also convincing as Calaf: his clear voice with enormous energy, presence and high polish was captivating. The rest of the cast, above all Martin Hässler, Carlos Osuna & Hiroshi Amako (Ping, Pang, Pong), were reliable. Carlo Rizzi on the podium appreciates huge orchestral discharges. He maintains high tension with aplomb. Cheers!