A rightly triumphal evening, a “Don Carlo” in the spirit of the great tradition of Italian singing. Even though, paradoxically, the best in the field was a Latvian: the great mezzo-soprano Elina Garança, ruler of the Eboli area like perhaps no other in the world today. But the diva got the longest applause in the fourth act Anna Netrebko at the end of a “Tu che le vanità” of sculptural incisiveness, to redeem the first two acts which were not too centered, an Elizabeth of Valois, hers, however of great temperament. But tenor Francesco Meli was also heard in the title role for great singing, compensating with the fantastic elegance of his phrasing for a light vocal weight for the very difficult part of the mad prince. Voice to never end on the contrary he exhibited the baritone Luca Salsi, which the heroic idealist punctuated with bold effectiveness Marquis of Posa. Finally, the bass Michele Pertusia Philip II more tormented than resigned, heroic in his turn in completing the work despite an attack of sore throat.
Above all and everyone, the La Scala Orchestra and its director: Riccardo Chailly it surpassed each of its other Scala inaugurations with a broad, majestic, vibrant direction. A direction capable of finally establishing comparisons on an equal footing with the most illustrious masters who preceded him on that podium. Finally, above all praise, as always, the Scaligero Choir. And an ultra-traditional setup this time, with solid, no-frills direction Lluis Pasqual. Thirteen minutes of final applause, everyone is in for it.
