Opera Rara, still strive to perform the lesser heard masterworks of the 19th and early 20th century opera world. In a salon concert at a private residence, I was given a warm Welsh welcome, thanks to those performing aside the London charms of the hosts. Jessica Robinson, as seen on Cardiff Singer, might just be one of the most friendly singers I’ve ever met. Brief chats and all things Wales were on the agenda before hearing her sing on the night.
Sat near the front at this intimate concert, Jessica was never too loud nor overbearing. Everything was extremely smooth in her delivery. Her patter in Italian is lovely, years of training have really shown off her talents. This was a varied programme, Donizetti rarities ever present and other odd and compelling treats. Jessica’s acting though seen less here, was present for moments. Scarlatti’s Le Violetta, was a soft opener to guide us into a journey spanning decades and our continent. An aria from Handel’s Alcina was another vigorous triumph. James on piano also played with ease, his flow for all the songs was highly skilled, he seems to have great patience and passion for these delights.
For the first set of Donizetti songs we had varying moods, aside ‘Oriental’ musings and loved up extremities. Whilst I may not be completely taken by him as a composer, hearing these pieces hardly heard and delivered so well, it’s hard not to be pleased. Two Bellini flutters, gave Jessica Bel canto aplenty, proving she works well in the style, her trills impactful. Further Donizetti Billets chéris, interprètes de I’âme and Au tic tac des castagnetts prove his cleverness, the piff and sexed up vocal lines are never far away. Curiosities from Saint-Saëns and Reynaldo Hahn featured words by Victor Hugo and some of the most sweet and evocative conjuring of the night.
Proudly, the programme ended with a Welsh legend: Morfydd Owen. I proudly told this London audience after how much she means to us in Wales, a female composer filled with innovation, taken from us far to early. I’ve compared her to Lili Boulanger, a sort of French equivalent to Owen. These two Welsh language choices, I doubt are hardly heard outside of Wales, though their impact ending the night was palpable. Tragedy mixes with gutsy storytelling, strong themes from her homeland, as these dramatic songs unite the traditional with the experimental structures of her day.
Like a lot of opera companies at the moment, Opera Rara are also in need of funding. Expectational concerts like this prove the professional, kind and inspiring ideas that are so much needed today.