The Pilgrim’s Progress: First review
OperaTony Sanderson reports on The Pilgrim’s Progress at the Three Choirs Festival last night.
British Youth Opera, an organisation that Arts Council England still funds, brought energy and zest to Vaughan Williams’ majestic score, captivating the audience in Gloucester Cathedral.
Based on a dream he experienced in prison, John Bunyan’s characters Lord Turn-About and Mister Facing-Bothways still resonate today. Vaughan Williams’ setting is rarely performed; after this semi-staged performance, one wonders why. Charlotte Corduroy conducted the work with energy and drive. The Royal Philharmonic were at their best, with the brass section particularly excellent.
One of the highlights was the scene in Vanity Fair, where the singers seem to mock Pilgrim with great gusto taunting him with offers of fleshly delights. Pilgrim in the form of Ross Cumming, stood firm and the chorus joined him in the celestial city, their faces shining with the knowledge of a job well done. Mathew Curtis stepped in at short notice as Interpreter and projected with clarity and power. Let’s hope Mister Facing BothWays soon quits the Arts Council.
Comments