Giuseppe Verdi’s Il trovatore (The Troubadour)
was staged at the Opera Studio of the Uzeyir Hajibeyli Baku Music
Academy.
As Azernews reports, the production completes
the great composer’s renowned trilogy alongside La
traviata and Rigoletto. The opera, celebrated for its
unrelenting dramatic intensity across four acts, has remained a
jewel of the world operatic repertoire for more than 170 years,
captivating audiences and drawing full houses with every
performance.
The passionate Italian drama last appeared on a Baku stage
several years ago. This latest production once again brought to
life a story of bitter enmity, unwavering devotion, emotional
clashes and powerful human passions.
The evening, held to a packed auditorium, featured some of the
most iconic numbers in the global opera canon: the “Miserere”
chorus, the gypsy chorus punctuated by the echoing hammer blows of
the anvil, Leonora’s cavatina “Tacea la notte placida”, Manrico’s
famous aria “Di quella pira”, and Count di Luna’s beloved aria “Il
balen del suo sorriso”. The performance also showcased Azucena’s
dramatic highlights such as “Stride la vampa” and “Sol, son tuo
figlio?”, along with the Manrico–Leonora duet that drew frequent
cries of “Bravo!” from the enthusiastic audience.
Leading roles were performed by distinguished Azerbaijani
vocalists. Honoured Artist Afaq Abbasova delivered a compelling
portrayal of Leonora, while Honoured Artist Farid Aliyev embodied
Manrico with skill and passion. Talented baritone Taleh Yakhyayev
captured the full emotional breadth of Count di Luna. Honoured
Artist Anton Fershtandt took on the role of Ferrando, the captain
of the guard. Honoured Artist Sabina Asadova appeared as Azucena,
impressing audiences with her deep and resonant mezzo-soprano in
one of the opera’s most demanding roles. The cast also included
soloists Sema Həmzayeva as Ines, Leonora’s confidante, and Igor
Yadrov as the old gypsy.
The Symphony Orchestra of the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera
and Ballet Theatre performed under the baton of Honoured Artist
Ayyub Guliyev.
Staged in Italian, the production left a lasting mark on the
cultural life of the capital with its dramatic narrative and
virtuosic performances, a fact affirmed by the audience’s prolonged
applause.
The production was directed by Honoured Artist Hafiz Guliyev,
with Honoured Artist Sevil Hajiyeva serving as chorus master.