衛武營國家藝術文化中心 National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts (Weiwuying)

"This is the one child that subjected me to the greatest labor pains and anxieties."

With these words, BEETHOVEN described Fidelio, his sole opera imbued with a tumultuous destiny, shortly before his passing. Indeed, he invested immense effort in choosing the theme, persistently refining the composition, and even implementing further revisions following performances yet never relented despite the strenuous processes. Perhaps, as a creator, he recognized the exceptional qualities encapsulated within this creation, which resonated with an integral aspect of his spirit and willpower.

However, BEETHOVEN did consider alternative themes such as that of SHAKESPEARE's Macbeth. The storyline of Fidelio emerged as a prominent example of rescue operas during that era. As a maestro who valued originality, he had no inclination to conform to compositional trends. His lingering fascination with Fidelio can be attributed to the female protagonist, Leonora, whose depiction as the "eternal and ideal woman" resonated deeply with audiences. The tale of moral nobility triumphing over deceitful schemes also profoundly inspired BEETHOVEN. Perhaps, his own compositions moved him as well. How could one listen to the passionate, agonizing cries of the male protagonist within his prison cell and not experience the emotional impact? Who could remain unaffected when faced with the radiant humanity expressed by the prisoners' chorus, causing tears to shed? When Leonora surmounted countless obstacles and, in the face of imminent peril, brandished a gun to challenge the villains; when injustice was eradicated and justice ultimately prevailed over evil, leading to a jubilant chorus, who could remain unmoved by the stirring spectacle, their emotions ignited in harmony with the music? Fidelio encompasses numerous exquisite and enthralling moments. Even amidst its gravitas, there are instances of lightheartedness. The subplot where the jailer's daughter falls in love with Leonora, who disguises herself as a man and courageously infiltrates the prison to rescue her husband, injects the work with a touch of humor and amusement. It merits repeated listens and viewing, offering an experience that is endlessly fulfilling.

Even after numerous revisions, Fidelio retains a subtle uniqueness distinguishing it from conventional operas with which people are familiar; it resembles more of a symphony enlivened by characters. BEETHOVEN's penchant for treating vocals with instrumental techniques places soloists in an arduous position as they wrestle with intricate and demanding vocal passages. Nonetheless, Fidelio has consistently garnered acclaim for its distinctive musical quality. It not only ranks high amongst BEETHOVEN's most significant work but also as one of the foremost operatic achievements. In this rendition led by CHIEN Wen-pin, the Evergreen Symphony Orchestra and the Taipei Philharmonic Chorus collaborate with exceptional domestic vocal talents WENG Jo-pei and Fernando WANG along with MO Tzu-yi, who won the Golden Horse Award for Best Leading Actor, to deliver a spectacular performance. For those genuinely seeking to immerse themselves in the essence of BEETHOVEN, disregarding Fidelio would be a grave oversight! (Written by CHIAO Yuan-pu)

  Pre-talk  

2024/3/1(Fri)19:00 Concert Hall 3F Lobby

  Creative and Production Team  

Conductor｜CHIEN Wen-pin

Don Fernando｜TSENG Wen-i

Don Pizarro｜CHAO Fang-hao

Florestan｜Fernando WANG

Leonore｜WENG Jo-pei

Rocco｜HSIEH Ming-mou

Marzelline｜LIN Wen-hua

Jaquino｜LIN Yi-wei

Narrator｜MO Tzu-yi

Orchestra｜Evergreen Symphony Orchestra

Chorus｜Taipei Philharmonic Chorus

  Cultural Development Partner  

柯珀汝