That mighty tenor Placido Domingo was able to go down a range to play the baritone role of Simon Boccanegra in Verdi’s opera of the same name. Now 71, Domingo dominated a Los Angeles Opera production that featured a sterling cast of singers.
“Simon Boccanegra” has a bulky plot, weaving romance into a political background. It is therefore performed more rarely than other Verdi masterpieces. However, the music lives up to the composer’s high standard.
The opera takes place in 14th century Genoa and the prologue introduces us to the heart of the story, with Boccanegra becoming doge, or leader of the city, in order to win the hand of a patrician’s daughter, with whom he has had a child. The young woman dies, however, and the child is eventually kidnapped. Meanwhile, the doge has enemies, but pursues his dream of bringing peace to warring cities. Not to worry, the super titles explain it all.
The dramatic score is brilliantly played by the Los Angeles Opera Orchestra under the redoubtable James Conlon. Most of the singers are relatively new on the scene here but are convincing as actors as well as singers. Domingo, wearing a spectacular robe as doge, is splendid in each scene and even manages to fall gracefully as the opera comes to a close. His singing is still terrific.
Others who shine are Ana Maria Martinez as Simon’s daughter, Amelia; Vitalij Kowaljow as her grandfather; Stefano Secco, her lover, and Sara Campbell, her maid. Paolo Gavanelli and Robert Pomakov are excellent as henchmen.
The set by Michael Yeargan is grandiose, with huge Grecian pillars providing a powerful backdrop. The costumes by Peter J. Hall are colorful and authentic. All these elements combine to provide a pleasurable operatic experience.