…this is a Figaro of rare grace, naturalness and charm.
Grandage’s otherwise traditional production is full of wonderful touches and his fluent timing, in harmony with Ticciati’s tightly coiled conducting of the OAE, maximises the tension.
Musically the evening is remarkable. Röschmann is exceptional in giving voice to the Countess's despair. Finley is the most dangerous of Counts, Persson a sensual, feisty Susanna. Schrott, meanwhile, handsome of presence and gorgeous of tone, is a star in the making. Antonio Pappano's conducting is full of wit and emotional depth.