FULL THE YOUNG PUCCINI Manila 2024 Rachelle Gerodias, Byeong-In Park, Nohmer Narito Neval
Information on the Performance
- Work Title: The young Puccini
- Composer: Puccini Giacomo
- Libretto: various
- Venue & Opera Company: Hyundai Hall, Ateneo de Manila University, Manila, Philippines
- Recorded: May 26, 2024
- Type: Concert Live
- Singers: Rachelle Gerodias, Byeong-In Park, Nohmer Narito Neval
- Conductor: Marlon Chen
- Orchestra: Manila Symphony Orchestra
- Stage Director:
- Costume Designer:
Information about the Recording
- Published by: The Manila Times TV
- Date Published: 2024
- Format: Streaming
- Quality Video: 4 Audio:4
- Subtitles: yessubs, ensubs, gensubs
- Video Recording from: YouTube FULL VIDEO
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THIS PERFORMANCE
The first part of the concert featured two of Puccini’s early instrumental works: the Preludio sinfonico (1882) and the Capriccio sinfonico (1883). These pieces are notable for containing musical ideas that Puccini later developed in his renowned operas Manon Lescaut and La Bohème. The program then included highlights from Puccini’s second opera, Edgar (1889). Baritone Byeong-In Park delivered an emotional rendition of Frank’s Act I aria, Questo amor vergogna mia, while soprano Rachelle Gerodias, accompanied by a choir of thirteen talented singers, showcased her beautiful lyric voice in Fidelia’s aria, Addio mio dolce amore.
The second part of the concert featured a complete performance of Puccini’s two-act opera, Le Villi. This opera marked Puccini’s entry into the theatrical world, though it faced initial challenges. Initially rejected due to illegible handwriting (so the legend goes), Le Villi eventually found success thanks to the support of Milanese intellectuals, leading to its successful debut. The opera’s success secured Puccini a contract with the prominent Italian music publisher Giulio Ricordi, who became his mentor and ardent supporter.
Despite some theatrical weaknesses, Le Villi is rich with melodic generosity. The performance included beautiful arias for the soprano (Anna, sung by Rachelle Gerodias) and the baritone (Guglielmo, sung by Byeong-In Park), a charming duet between the lovers, lively choir numbers, ballet music, a quasi-Verdian concertato finale, two exquisite interludes, and an extensive scena for the tenor (Roberto, sung by Nohmer Narito Neval