The pre-publicity for this opera rigthly concentrated on the astonishing set designed by Rebecca Ringst and it really was a star. You can get some idea from any of the pictures around. What is more difficult to imagine is the opening to the second act where this massive structure, which I’d estimate as three or four storeys high, very slowly tilts back with no apparent support, forming a labyrinth, echoing the quotes from Jorge Luis Borges that are used in the production. During the final chorus it rises again, only to fall slowly at the end. The second star was Emma Bell as Leonore/Fidelio, singing with immense skill and passion. An amazing and thoroughly recommended production.
Review: Fidelio, English National Opera
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