Richard III (2004)
Libretto based on Shakespeare’s play by Ian Burton
This opera was inspired by Richard III, a leading figure in English history for better and for worse. Suffering from physical and psychological deformities, his hunger for power was so great that he annihilated his own family. In Battistelli’s work, he takes on moving and ironic characteristics able to seduce his victims and the audience with the histrionic charisma of a diabolic leader that actually conceals his frailty. From a musical point of view, Richard is all-encompassing: he interacts with all the characters as well as the orchestra, flaunting a multiple personality that is unpredictable, erratic, insecure and unmerciful. The voice, like the character it depicts, demands absolute sovereignty, able to deliver the role with forceful interpretive impact as well as give a strong virtuoso vocal performance. The libretto retraces the Shakespearean tragedy, alternating powerful theatrical scenes of war and prayer with choral voices depicting various roles. At times the chorus has strong moments centre stage of the action; at other times it withdraws into a ‘controcanto’, commenting on the events like an observer in the manner of Greek tragedies.
First performance
Antwerp, Vlaamse Opera, 30 January 2005
Characters
Richard III, br
Lady Anne, s
Queen Elisabeth, s
Duchess of York, ms
Buckingham, b/br
Richmond, t
Edward IV, t
Clarence (+ Tyrrel), t
Hastings, br
Lovell, b/br
Catesby (+ Rivers), br
Ratcliffe (+ Brackenburry), b
I assassin (+ Archbishop), br
II assassin (+ Mayor), b
Prince Edward, controt
Prince Richard of York, boy soprano
Page, s/ms
4 messengers, men
Choir
Instrumentation
3 (III ott).2.3 (III cl b).3 (III cfg) / 4.3.3.1 / 3 perc, arpa, cel, camp / archi
Duration
150 min(s)
Ricordi catalogue number
139300 – score
139302 – reduction for voice & piano