INDEPENDENT OPERA at Sadler's Wells

Pelléas et Mélisande

Reviews

Observer

Pelléas et Mélisande at Sadler’s Wells

By Rupert Christiansen

‘…Independent Opera's version, staged in the intimacy of the Lilian Baylis Studio at Sadler's Wells, proved a revelation. Stephen McNeff has edited the music with great sensibility for 35 players, and much of the original's kaleidoscope of colours and textures was preserved…’

‘…Even more significantly, the alert conductor Dominic Wheeler held a fine balance between voice and orchestra which allowed textual nuances to be communicated with ideal clarity…’

‘…Andrew Foster-Williams acted and sang with impressive authority as the wretched Golaud, well matched by Thorbjørn Gulbrandsøy's blundering innocent of a Pelléas…’

‘…Frédéric Bourreau's Arkel and Caryl Hughes' Yniold were both excellent...’

‘…Beyond individuals, the performance was illuminated throughout by a commitment and freshness which made it (an) involving and truthful reading of this sublime work…’