Covent Garden’s new Tosca has been sparking considerable interest and not only because it marks the opening of a new season. For one thing, it features the controversial return of the Russian soprano Anna Netrebko, dropped by houses throughout Europe and America on the grounds of historical support for Putin’s regime. The operatic world has been divided between those – including the vociferous demonstrators outside the house – who condemn her casting and those who feel she has been unfairly scapegoated. Understandably nervous at the start, she went on to give a superlative account of the role, thunderously received by the audience.
The other major point of interest was that this was the debut appearance of Jakub Hrusa in the role of music director. We already knew he was a fine exponent of German, French and Czech opera, but how would he fare in the staple Italian repertory? Filling the shoes of Antonio Pappano must have been an intimidating challenge, but Hrusa demonstrated last night, drawing wonderful playing from this exceptional orchestra, that the house was once again in very accomplished hands. By the time she needed to deliver her big Act 2 aria, Vissi d’Arte, Netrebko had settled down, exploiting her rich, darkly expressive lower range and her glorious top alike, holding the beautifully floated final notes for an eternity.
