The musicians perform superbly under the baton of Péter Halász. The sounds rising from the orchestra pit blend seamlessly with the singers’ voices. The chorus is magnificent, including the children’s chorus.
The Opera House Orchestra displayed a surprisingly wide and tastefully controlled dynamic range throughout the performance. The wind solos remained precise and clear, while the strings’ overall sound was well-balanced and flexibly varied. Credit for the sweeping musical phrases, excellent tempos, and cohesive orchestral sound goes to the evening’s conductor, Péter Halász.
The ensemble parts were energetic, precise, and well-balanced. In Il Trovatore, where the choir plays a significant dramatic role, it was one of the performance's strong points. Péter Halász led the orchestra, maintaining a fluid narrative and the right balance between orchestra and soloists. The climaxes were appropriately energetic, while in the more lyrical scenes, the orchestra remained a careful partner to the singers. This was an interpretation that prioritized musical coherence, fitting well with the overall character of the performance.
Thanks to the orchestra, the choir, Péter Halász and the excellent cast, we got much more: after so many performances that could be considered partial successes, Verdi's masterpiece was finally heard in its true significance.
Péter Halász brought the orchestra into outstanding form. We heard exceptional woodwind playing, along with remarkably transparent and beautifully refined orchestral performance. He conducted the work with the kind of passion and commitment that Fidelio demands.