La Favorite / Bayerische Staatsoper
James Jorden
Observer
in Munich they were on fire, particularly Polenzani, who created a complete and striking character as the conflicted Fernand."
“… in Munich they were on fire, particularly Polenzani, who created a complete and striking character as the conflicted Fernand. His extremely physical acting did not seem to hamper his singing; on the contrary, he sounded superbly polished and fresh in this very demanding part.
We could use more opera like this Favorite in New York, if only as a reminder that the “grand” in “grand opera” means more than just “big.” It should also mean “excellent.”