Lukasz Borowicz, Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, Koriinu Uintaazu, Piotr Beczala - Moniuszko: halka - Import DVD

Credits:

Lukasz Borowicz, Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, Koriinu Uintaazu, Piotr Beczala

Description:

Bechawa also gives a stellar performance! Moniuszko’s “Halka,” the greatest masterpiece of Polish opera—the latest video recording with Japanese subtitles! Moniuszko’s “Halka” is not only Poland’s first national opera but also a work that epitomizes Polish opera. This performance, held in December 2019, was a co-production between the Theater an der Wien and Warsaw’s Teatr Wielki. It is particularly noteworthy for the significant involvement of Polish staff—including the principal cast members such as Bechawa and Konieczny, as well as the director and conductor. Just as Chopin—who was of roughly the same generation—did through his piano music, Moniuszko awakened and inspired Polish patriotism through his operas. Composed in 1847, “Halka” tells the story of Halka, the daughter of a tenant farmer who is toyed with and then cast aside by the young nobleman Janusz. It was based on a play written the previous year by Włodzimierz Wołski had adapted the story into a play using metaphorical language to express righteous indignation over the failure of the “Cracow Uprising,” which Moniuszko then turned into an opera. Although the original story is set in the Tatra Mountains of southern Poland in the mid-18th century, director Mariusz Treliński relocated the story to a hotel in the latter half of the 20th century; the peasant girl Halka becomes a maid, and Jótek, who loves and watches over her, is no longer a mountain man but a bellboy. The relationship between the landowning nobility and the tenant farmers in the original work continues unchanged in the late 20th century as that between the ruling class and the working class, offering a scathing critique of the weak who suffer under the tyranny of the rulers and the people (employees) who rise up in rebellion out of sympathy and righteous indignation. The lead role of Haruka is played by American soprano Colleen Winters. She delivers a passionate and convincing performance as Haruka descends into madness after being betrayed by the young lord Janusz. The numerous beautiful arias are also a delight to listen to. It is a real treat to have Bechawa play Yong-tek, who loves her. Singing in his native language—and in an opera that holds a special place in the hearts of Poles—he captivates the audience with his beautiful voice and expressive performance. The womanizing husband is played by Konieczny, a familiar face at the “Tokyo Spring Music Festival.” His sunglasses and hairstyle, reminiscent of Cibruski in *Ashes and Diamonds*, hint at a hidden intention on the part of director Treliński. Although this is a performance in the original Polish, it’s a delight that Japanese subtitles are included for the first time. This offers a chance to experience the full scope of this iconic opera, which Poles love so dearly, for the very first time. King International