vipa, on Jun 20 2010, 07:55 PM, said:
I think his criticism of Cojocaru's acting silly ( I was there) and found odd the time spent on what Osipova's performance could become in the future.
I respectfully disagree... at least regarding the first.
I think its clear I almost never (ahem) agree with Macaulay, so I hope it isn't taken as me just reiterating his points, but I have been, since the comments on the last two performances started coming in, trying to figure out how to reconcile my responses with those on this board.
I thought Alina's first act exquisite. Really wonderful. And I thoroughly enjoyed the rest of her performance and am glad I saw it of course, but am not in the raptures that everyone else here is. And it is for (I sense) the same reason that Macaulay was not. I did not feel the character developed. How many times has it been discussed here that the character in act III is a mature version of that character we meet in act I? To me she was the same flirtatious innocent sweet creature. She was charming, lovely, to be sure. But there was not the increased authority, maturity... I didn't sense a development between the three acts.
Osipova, whose act I was NOT as secure though it had incredible moments to it (and yes, she was visibly nervous, a surprising and actually rather charming thing in such a powerhouse), new to the role, gave me more of a clear delineation of the development of character.
Oddly, the one thing I disagreed with Macaulay on was a criticism of David, that his acting was less developed than Carrenos--Carreno gave me way less than David did. David brought life and passion to what is, in this version a pretty rough sketch of a character. (and generally I am of the school that Macaulay goes overboard on David--and I think he did here too at the end--although I do think David is pretty fantastic).
One other thing. I liked Michelle Wiles!
I feel odd saying it, both as everyone else has said how awful she was, and because I generally don't like her. I think if you read every comment I have ever written here, you would be hard pressed to find a nice thing I have ever said about her. But I thought she had real authority. I know everyone loves Stella.
I saw her (Stella) in this role twice--Weds with Part and Sat matinee. I thought she was more successful on the matinee. Partly she danced better. Partly she and Cojocaru were a better match--Part's own authority made Stella's lack of authority more glaring while Alina's sweetness was not a problem.
But although Stella danced well on both occasions, I did not believe for an instant she had the power to control the events, to banish Carabosse.
Wiles had authority. I believed she was controlling events. I wasn't looking through opera glasses and my seats aren't fabulous enough that I could see the grimaces referenced above, so I will have to take your word for it. But from where I sat, she looked serene, confident, and I believed she was powerful and in control. Stella doesn't make me think that. And as such, for a Lilac fairy, I don't care if I think she dances more beautifully than Wiles--it isn't sufficient for the role.
I think I have more to write about the two performances later, but for now, as no one has mentioned Riccetto as Florine in the afternoon... I thought she was lovely. very precise and truly lovely. I enjoyed her rendition of the variation very much.
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