Franco Zeffirelli’s dazzling production of Puccini’s final masterpiece, a Chinese fairy story set in a mythical China seen through the eyes of 19th century Europeans.
One of opera’s most thrilling dramatic sopranos, Christine Goerke (Die Walkὓre), reprises her fierce portrayal of the title princess. Yannick Nézet-Séguin takes the podium to conduct and featuring tenor Roberto Aronica as Calàf, soprano Eleonora Buratto as Liù and bass-baritone James Morris as Timur.
The large Turandot orchestra calls for a wide variety of instruments, including alto saxophones, celesta, bass xylophone, harps, and an organ. There are several genuine Chinese themes that are integrated into the score in a suave and brilliantly original manner, including the big imperial anthem in Act II. The opera also contains moments of sheer melodic beauty in Puccini’s most lyrical vein, most notably in the tenor’s unforgettable song of triumph, Nessun dorma, which opens Act III.
Turandot is sung in Italian with English subtitles.
A HD Live screening from the Metropolitan Opera House, New York