Chicago Lyric Opera's "Falstaff"

Last night, the Chicago Lyric Opera presented a great moment in casting: Bryn Terfel's first North American appearance in the title role of Verdi's "Falstaff." Too often, this roles goes to basses at the end of their careers, who bark it out and turn the knight into a buffoon. So what a treat it was to hear this splendid young singer at the height of his powers actually sing the role beautifully with warmth and resonance. What is more, Mr. Terfel, used his imposing physical presence to make Falstaff into a commanding presence -- funny, to be sure, with his huge paunch and his grandiose sense of self, but also a figure to be reckoned with.

The opening aria of Act III, when Falstaff, drenched and demoralizes, makes his wak back from his emotional low point in the opera, was preformed with breath-taking mastery. The other standout singer in the cast was Bernadette Manca di Nissa as Mistress Quickly, a true contralto with rolling low notes that complemented Mr. Terfel's. Frank Phillip Schlossman provided undistinguished faux-Elizabethan sets but very handsome costumes (including a fabulous blue hat for Ford). Mr. Terfel's vigorous example seemed to galvanize everyone, and with Olivier Tambosi's direction and Antonio Pappano's conducting, it was an evening of great charm and energy all around.

by Heidi Waleson