Photos from Zurich Turandot

Turandot, Turin, October 2006:  Highest marks go to José Cura.  His Calaf is impetuous, at times rabid.  He is extraordinary in Nessun dorma, an aria that is often used as a mirror in which tenors admire their skill.  But why indeed is it Nessun dorma?  Nessun dorma because there is an edict from Turandot, the last gasp of her power.  Nessun dorma because she wants to discover the identity of Calaf.  In the town, then, there is anything but tranquility and sweetness:  instead, there is restlessness, apprehension.  And in the same way Calaf is not about sweetness but about power:  all'alba vincerò -- at dawn, I will win.  Vincerò Turandot:  the conquest of a fortress rather than the dream of love.  In these notes José Cura never looks in the mirror, never tries to simply show off his voice but instead to use it in the service of his goal of conquest, the source of which is barely controlled anger.  Stefano Mola, Trapsi, 10 October 2006

Turandot, Zurich, April 2006:  ‘Outstanding was the Calaf of José Cura. … at this time no other tenor can so easily master this role. The bronze, baritonal voice coloring, paired with an incredible expressiveness and vocal strength and, when necessary, with softness, inspired storms of enthusiasm.  The nonchalance in his acting and the ease with which he took the high notes made him the winner of the evening.’  Chantal Steiner, Vox spectatricis, April 2006