Falstaff review: A fat knight at the opera
“Falstaff was revived at the Metropolitan Opera on Sunday afternoon in the 2013 production of Robert Carsen. For this opera, you need a Falstaff, of course—but most of all, you need a conductor. A conductor who knows what he’s doing.
The Met had one in Daniele Rustioni, a Milanese who will turn forty next month. He had the suppleness and alertness required for this opera. The orchestra is a key “cast member,” if you will. Every twist and turn of the story is reflected in the orchestra. The orchestra doesn’t accompany, but rather plays.
And the Met orchestra on Sunday afternoon was outstanding. The texture was right: on the light side. The score, with its endless characterful lines, was transparent. The “chamber” quality of the opera was exhibited.”
The New Criterion, Jay Nordlinger