Peter Sellars' acclaimed new production of these two masterpieces was one of the great highlights at the Teatro Real. The orchestra and cast, including Ekaterina Scherbachenko and Paul Groves, reached rare heights of poetic expression under the bold and sensitive direction of Teodor Currentzis.
"Jolanthe" a late Tchaikovsky composition, was premiered in 1892 and contains all facets of the composer's mastery: beautiful melodies, a clear structure, and genuine passion in its many variations.
"Persephone" has only one singer (Paul Groves), who acts largely as narrator in the role of the priest Eumolpus. The orchestration is melodious, with woodwind or brass solos that lay a compelling, often downright jaunty theme over a simple rhythmic accompaniment.