Gypsy Baron

The tale of the Gypsy Baron is a treasure chest of melody incorporating military music, a waltz, polka, love duets and generally delightful music. And, with many seats taken on this first night of performances, Tettenhall Operatic Company’s presentation of Strauss’ operetta, proved there is a good audience for this genre.

 The plot itself is full of righted wrongs, tangled love affairs, heroism, hidden treasure and pigs; and additionally provides the audience with an unending stream of beautiful melodies, including some of Johann Straus’ most famous waltzes.

 Tettenhall Operatic Company gave the work a minimalist staging, placing the emphasis on the quality singing that was constant throughout the performance.

Before Act 1 commenced, the audience was treated to a polished piano duet of the overture played by experienced and competent musicians, Peter Smith (the musical director); and talented David Easto, who was the unfaltering, perfect accompanist for the entire concert. The chorus was in fine form and brought well-disciplined excitement to their  ensemble contributions; and along with the principals on stage, were effectively led by Peter Smith who conducted at the front, (centrally, just below the stage), the numbers. Some of these musical numbers were difficult and were delivered with impressive harmonies. Peter inspired precision and clarity to individual characters with some demanding pieces of music to sing, which were delivered so marvellously. Peter led the company with an exacting interpretation of the score which included several recognisable waltz tunes.

Janette Clough and Vi Hurley were the narrators, as they have been in previous occasions, and effectively, in turn, described the detail in the storyline which also served to introduce characters and songs. Using full expression to emphasise plot development, they used lively voice intonation to maintain our attention on the unfolding plot which was not easy to follow.

The chorus was dressed in black and white, with principals costumed as appropriate to their role without detracting focus from their singing performance.

The story at the beginning concerned gypsies who had a message from Czipra (Sue Rogers), their queen, who demanded that Zsupan (Julian Souter) removed his pigs from the gypsy encampment. Barinkay (Stephen Harper) had returned from exile to claim the property his father once owned. This included a ruined castle and land that his wealthy neighbour Zuspan had taken over for pig farming. While the local gypsies hailed Barinkay as their leader, Zsupan was aggrieved to lose his land. One such solution given by Count Kareska,( Mick Branaghan), the civil commissioner of Vienna, was that Barinkay should marry Zsupan’s daughter, Arletta, (Sheila Smith).  Barinkay had, however, met Saffi (Lydia Goodall) Czipra’s granddaughter and he asked Czipra for Saffi’s hand in marriage. Czipra stated that the wedding must be conducted according to ancient gypsy rites. Barinkay, hailed as the Gypsy Baron, tells Kareska that he is to be married to Saffi. Meanwhile, treasure had been found in the grounds of the castle and Czipra had the key to the treasure chest! Barinkay went off to find the treasure and returned with bags of gold. Graf Peter Homonoy (Greg Instone) then arrived on a recruiting mission and both Zsupan and Otto with the gypsy men, were enlisted to go to war to fight the turks. Saffi was taken to Vienna for safekeeping under Kareska’s care. The treasure was also taken to Vienna for safe keeping. Barinkay made a tender farewell to Saffi as he went to war. In Vienna after the war we learned that Saffi escaped Kareska’s custody because of his treatment of her and she and Czipra sought refuge with Homonoy ( Greg Instone). The story ends when Bakinkay returns from war back into the arms of Saffi and Bakinkay is wished long life and happiness as the Gypsy Baron.

A strong cast of experienced performers within this company brought the colourful principal characters to life. Tettenhall Operatic Company certainly does have some excellent singers.

 Lydia Goodall made a splendid Saffi, her vibrant soprano voice and impressive high notes filled the hall with ease and vigour. She made the most of her character with facial expressions revealing her emotions. Her rich cultured tone and impeccable technique helped to bring out the operatic nature of Strauss’ score. Her performance as Saffi confirmed a sympathetic characterisation of the Gypsy girl.

Stephen Harper has a warm, expressive tenor voice ideal for this part. His fine voice made him a charming Barinkay impressing us with his guileless singing with the chorus, “Danube River of Dreams.” He was well partnered with Saffi and their duets were sublime.

The role of Arletta was delightfully sung by soprano, Sheila Smith. Her singing was captivating and I enjoyed,” I haven’t found the right man yet,” projected so well and so brightly with the chorus. She acquitted herself of the role so perfectly. Julian Souter, the wealthy unsurping pig farmer, Zsupan, sang with a strong voice and secured stage presence. In her portrayal of Czipra, Sue Rogers was a delight to hear and watch.

 Additionally, there was an extended list of supporting roles, including Gary Gentle, who gave a lively portrayal of Otto and helped to retain the effervescence of the show; and Jane Souter sang a spirited Mirabella and seemed comfortable when there was some light dancing .Credit must also be directed to other supporting members of the cast for their contributions to the realisation and beauty of Strauss’ score, including Mac Hammond as Mishka; Greg Instone as Homonay; Steve Robotham as Pali, Nina Branaghan as Franzi; Christina Clifton as Vanya.

This was another enjoyable production with some fine singing by the chorus and superior singing woven into key roles. There is much to admire about Tettenhall Operatic Company for keeping operetta alive and in front of an audience. Congratulations to the cast and crew. Thank you for inviting me.

 

 

 

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