THE DEAD CITY

TEATRO MASSIMO PALERMO

'John Treleaven sang his first Paul in this uncut version containing numerous high passages which tenors have been spared elsewhere. There are long phrases in this role which are almost solely in the high range between G and B. Treleaven sang these with relish. This corresponds to the emotional state of the man who has the talent to become totally absorbed with an illusory romance. Admittedly, there are tenors whose voices open more radiantly in the high range but few who are not only totally secure but also able to sing with such variety of nuance. As expected, John Treleaven portrays Paul not as a psychopath of unsound mind but as quite a personable highly emotional visionary, who is ultimately able to free himself with the help of his strong feelings and imagination as a result of the anguish he experiences. The most positive interpretation of the role I have ever come across over the years.'

Der neue Merker