Vivid and sparkling music theatre

A modern revival of a rediscovered opera
with music by Mozart after 176 Years!

MALCOLM MILLER attended the
UK Première and World Première of the English Translation of
The Philosopher's Stone or The Enchanted isle
(Der Stein Der Weisen oder die Zauberinsel)

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There was delicate woodwind in the sprightly duet 'Tralleralla!' with Lubanara, brightly sung by the soprano Nicki Kennedy and Lubano, whose earthy character was well portrayed by baritone Stephen Roberts. Lubano takes the lion's share of the comical, lighter settings, as in Roberts' full-toned projection of jaunty arias such as 'Yes love is a funny thing; its tail you see can have a string'. And the 'cuckold' horns of the chorus 'Look there! A stag runs by!' depicts Lubano's role as comical victim. A more poignant and evocative use of brass occurs in the extended orchestral Prologue to Act II set on a stormy cliff; here the choruses are stirring, the spectacular scene somewhat reminiscent of Idomeneo. Yet again there is a stark contrast to Lubano's comic aria and Mozart's witty, famous 'Cat Duet', in which Lubanara can only 'Miaow'. The duet returns at the start of the Act II Finale, which moves briskly in short articulated sections, leading to the second of Mozart's attributed contributions, the previously unknown duet for Nadir and the Genie (messanger to Astromonte), an expressive and dramatic ensemble. Whereas the Act I finale, most of it by Helleberg, evokes Handelian or even Rameauesque grandiosity with a late-Baroque, Rococo flavour, the Act II finale overflows with Classical buoyancy and sparkle, leading inexorably to the high choral climax in triumphal mode.

Full credit is due to the intrepid Collegium 90 and The New Company chorus under the brisk baton of Harry Bicket for an exciting concert première that highlighted the work's charm and quality. Enthusiasts may relish the BBC broadcast and also the World Première CD recording (BMG Classics, TELARC label, with Boston Baroque conducted by Martin Pearlman) with the original German text. In Millington's witty translation it surely deserves a stage première - an ideal project for an adventurous opera company. In the meantime one can only congratulate the Hampstead and Highgate Festival on their bold, visionary programming and look forward to more delights in next year's season!