Page 75 - FINAL_Theatre of Sound Coverage Book

This score in its original form is a vast palette of colour, for a large orchestra of musicians.
Stephen has skilfully maintained the highlights and shades of the music, whilst allowing the
intimacy to be believable and powerful.
The role of Bluebeard is very elusive. In the first half of the opera he speaks very seldom, and
this always been interpreted as a reflection of his deception of Judith. However, in Theatre of
Sound’s version, his hesitancy and uttering of single words shows it is a struggle for him – out of
love and kindness and as a result of Judith’s dementia - to ask the correct questions to enable
even a simple conversation. Later in the opera, he sings passionately of his love. This is the
same whether in this or other versions. It is impressive in the original version but here, seen
through the eyes of a couple grappling with the devasting effects of dementia, it is utterly heart-
breaking.
• 10 performances with alternating casts from tonight to 14 November
• Read more opera reviews on theartsdesk