16-23 Dec 2004. Conducted by Donato Renzetti, directed by Beppe Menegatti, with Darina Takova, Anna Maria DellOste, Alfonso Antoniozzi and Francesca Provvisionato.

The Teatro dellOpera of Rome celebrates the Christmas season with Die Fledermaus by Johann Strauss (16-23 Dec). It is a light and lively operetta a small masterpiece in style centred on the rhythm and joyous melancholy of the waltz, which Strauss knew how to write as few before or since. The show presents itself in great style with various prestigious names from the conductor, Donato Renzetti, to the singers, Darina Takova, Alfonso Antoniozzi and Francesca Provvisionato. Die Fledermaus closes a not very exhilarating opera season in Rome. The new season has been announced, but unfortunately, it looks like a repeat of the old. Together with uncommon works such as Rossinis Semiramide (chosen for the inauguration), Verdis Attila, Massenets Thas and Stravinskys Oedipus rex, there is the grand repertoire, with Puccinis Turandot and Bellinis La Sonnambula. The problem is that among the famous works some have been performed only too recently, such as Mozarts Marriage of Figaro or Mascagnis Cavalleria Rusticana (which returns in last years same mediocre production). Added to this, there are only a few famous singers, too many not very illustrious ones and others who are past their prime. There is nothing spectacular even in the conducting or the productions. On a positive note, Wagners Das Rheingold will be performed in theatrical form after many years of neglect. Hopefully in the future the whole Der Ring des Nibelungen will be represented. Paolo di Nicola.