Prom 9 - Beethoven’s Fidelio review: The BBC Philharmonic lacks energy
I WISH I could be enthusiastic about the BBC Proms performance of Beethoven’s only opera, Fidelio, with its stirring call for truth and justice.
Soprano Ricarda Merbeth was a flawless Leonore
The BBC Philharmonic under conductor Juanjo Mena lacked energy and there seemed an imbalance of sound between singers at the far side of the platform and orchestra.
No trouble, though, in hearing mega-tenor Stuart Skelton’s opening aria as the imprisoned Florestan.
Ricarda Merbeth was a flawless Leonore and bass James Creswell stood in for an indisposed Brindley Sherratt as the gaoler Rocco.
Prom 9, Beethoven’s Fidelio BBC Philharmonic/Mena Royal Albert Hall, London SW7 (Tickets: 0845 401 5040/bbc.co.uk/proms)