If you are looking for the “grand” in grand opera, look no further than Verdi’s “Don Carlo” at the Music Center. Los Angeles Opera has assembled a stellar cast for this bruising story that takes place in Spain during the 15th century Inquisition. However, a love triangle goes with the sense of menace, which hovers over the drama.
King Philip of Spain has wed Elisabeth of Valois who was originally betrothed to his son, Don Carlo. The king fears that his son and his wife, who still love one another, have been unfaithful. Although this is not true, his jealousy leads to tragedy.
This is a dark Verdi opera, and a sense of claustrophobia is created by the somber one-size-fits-all set. Columns depend from the ceiling and paintings of tortured victims are seen on the walls. Red and black are the dominant colors, in both the set and period costumes.
This is as much a character opera as a political one. King Philip is a tragic figure despite his power, and his son is unable to assert himself as the heir to the throne. The poor queen, wed to a man she does not love, must try to find happiness in a cheerless foreign court. Others in the mix are Princess Eboli, whose lies cause havoc, and Rodrigo, Carlo’s friend, a political activist seeking freedom for the people of Flanders.
One extremely telling scene is a confrontation between the king and the blind Grand Inquisitor who is guided by two young boys. The king wonders if he can place his son and heir into the hands of the Inquisition. The heartless cleric has no problem with this and explains that Spain is ruled by two men, himself and the king.
The king and queen arrive for an auto de fe dressed in spectacular costumes as they watch the poor souls condemned to be burned at the stake. These costumes and others as opulent are credited to Tim Goodchild. John Hunter created the set. Ian Judge, who has directed numerous productions for the Royal Shakespeare Company, created the oppressive atmosphere. The role of King Philip is played by the famous Italian basso, Ferruccio Furlanetto. Troubled and majestic, he suits the role perfectly and sings with authority. Annalisa Raspagliosi is the queen, dignified and lovely, with a sweet soprano voice. Salvatore Licitra, a powerful tenor, has the role of Don Carlo, and the formidable Dolora Zajack is spectacular as Eboli. Lado Ataneli is an impassioned Rodrigo and Eric Halfvarson, as the menacing Grand Inquisitor, is excellent.
The new music director of the Los Angeles Opera, James Conlan, proved himself to be at home with Verdi’s music as the orchestra responded nobly.
It’s no wonder that Verdi chose this story, based on the play by Friedrich Schiller. Love, against the background of the Inquisition, is a Grand idea.