The Metropolitan Opera: L’Amour de Loin

Synopsis

The Metropolitan Opera's 2016 production of "L’Amour de Loin," featuring Susanna Phillips, presents a mesmerizing staging of the contemporary opera composed by Kaija Saariaho with a libretto by Amin Maalouf. Set in the medieval period, the opera explores themes of longing and distant love through the story of Jaufré Rudel, a troubadour who falls in love with a countess he has never met, solely through tales of her beauty and virtue. The production is acclaimed for its ethereal music, lush orchestration, and evocative staging that combines stunning visuals with profound emotional depth. Susanna Phillips delivers a captivating performance, bringing warmth and nuance to her role, making this a compelling experience for opera enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Cast

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  Susanna Phillips

  Clémence

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  Tamara Mumford

  The Pilgrim

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  Eric Owens

  Jaufré Rudel

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  Deborah Voigt

  Self - Host

• MET Orchestra

Reviews

Critics generally responded positively to The Metropolitan Opera's 2016 production of "L’Amour de Loin." On IMDb, the film holds a solid rating of 7.5/10, reflecting favorable audience appreciation. Reviewers praised the mesmerizing score by Kaija Saariaho, highlighting its shimmering textures and haunting melodic lines that perfectly capture the opera's themes of yearning and distance. The New York Times lauded the performance as an "entrancing journey into emotion and sound," emphasizing the powerful vocal performances, especially that of Susanna Phillips, who was described as "expressive and luminous." Similarly, Opera News commended the production's innovative staging and visual atmosphere, though some critics noted that the opera's modern musical language could be challenging for traditional opera-goers seeking a more conventional narrative or melodic progression. The Guardian praised the timeless and poetic quality of the storytelling, remarking that the emotional resonance of the score and libretto balance well with the minimalist yet effective set design. Overall, the production is celebrated for its artistic ambition and immersive musical experience, with minor reservations about its accessibility to wider audiences.