Small picture of Donizetti

 

 

 

Balfe's   Falstaff

Dublin, September 25, 2008

 Report by Basil Walsh (www.britishandirishworld.com)

I have just returned from a visit to Dublin for the bicentenary celebration of the Irish composer Michael W. Balfe (1808-1870) at the National Concert Hall, where the composer's Italian opera,  Falstaff was given in concert form by Opera Ireland and RTE, the national Irish broadcasting group.  This was a historic event, musically.The RTE Concert Orchestra and an international cast performed this remarkable work. It was conducted by Marco Zambelli. The opera was recorded professionally by RTE Lyric fm. There was also a delayed broadcast in Ireland and through the EBU (European Broadcasting Union) radio network two nights after the live performance.

 

 

The evening was a 'tour de force.'  It is amazing that an opera of this importance which had its premiere in July 1838 at the Italian Opera in London with four of the greatest singers of the century (Lablache, Grisi, Tamburini and Rubini) has never been revived in 170 years. Yet Balfe's original manuscript score which is in pristine condition has been in the British Library since the 1870s when Balfe's widow, Lina Balfe donated it along with many other Balfe manuscript scores.  As a result of this performance, there is now a full performing edition orchestral score available for others who may wish to mount this important opera.

This is a major work in the tradition of the grand Italian operas of Donizetti and Bellini. It bears little or no resemblance to Balfe's more familiar English operatic style.  It is extremely difficult vocally with its tessitura, runs, roulades and rondo finales.  You will love the music.  It is fascinating to think that when Balfe premiered this work in 1838 at London's Italian Opera at Her Majesty's Theatre that Verdi (five years younger than Balfe at the time) had not yet composed an opera!  

The evening was very successful both artistically and financially.  Along with my new biography of the composer (see www.balfebiography.com ), it culminated eight years of work on Balfe for me.

The evening was very successful both artistically and financially.  Along with my new biography of the composer (see http://irishacademicpress.ie/product/michael-w-balfe-a-unique-victorian-composer/ ). The 2 CD set/recording is now available.

 

 

 

Page initially published in  2008