Lisette Oropesa's portrayal of Amalia in various productions has garnered widespread acclaim, with critics repeatedly highlighting her vocal brilliance and technical mastery. Across reviews, a common theme is her ability to balance vocal power with emotional depth, making her performances both technically impressive and profoundly moving. Her interpretation is noted for its emotional authenticity, with critics from Parterre and Platea Magazine emphasizing that her portrayal serves as the emotional anchor of the performances. This emotional resonance is complemented by her technical precision, especially in handling the challenging high registers that are a staple of the role, originally crafted for the renowned soprano Jenny Lind.
What sets Oropesa apart is her skillful navigation of the intricate bel canto style, a feat acknowledged by publications like ResMusica and Wanderer. Her voice is described as powerful yet sensitive, with an ability to convey nuanced emotions through a combination of robust technique and expressive phrasing. Critics from Online Merker and Abendzeitung München praise her for seamlessly integrating the high notes into the musical line, maintaining a sense of continuity and elegance throughout her performance. Her ability to embody the characteristics of Verdi's later female roles, as noted by Abendzeitung München, positions her as a unique and versatile soprano capable of bridging different operatic styles.
Beyond technical prowess, Oropesa brings a traditional yet refreshing interpretation to the role of Amalia, resonating with audiences and critics alike. Reviews from Opera Actual and Mundo Classico commend her for her ability to transport audiences into the vibrant world of bel canto, all while maintaining a feigned fragility that adds a layer of complexity to her character. This combination of vocal mastery, emotional depth, and interpretative skill makes Lisette Oropesa's portrayal of Amalia a notable and compelling contribution to the operatic canon.
Lisette has been reviewed 30 times in this role.
The role of Amalia in Giuseppe Verdi's "I Masnadieri" was originally created by the illustrious soprano Jenny Lind, who performed at the opera's premiere on July 22, 1847, at Her Majesty's Theatre in London. Known as the "Swedish Nightingale," Lind was celebrated for her remarkable vocal purity, technical prowess, and captivating stage presence, all of which she brought to her creation of Amalia. Her interpretation was definitive, establishing the standard for the role with her ability to convey both the tender innocence and the profound emotional depth of the character. Aside from Amalia, Lind was also renowned for her performances in roles such as Amina in Bellini's "La sonnambula" and Lucia in Donizetti's "Lucia di Lammermoor." Her embodiment of Amalia showcased her exceptional range and dramatic expression, laying the groundwork for future sopranos to explore the complexities of Verdi's heroine.
In the years following Lind's portrayal, several other sopranos have made significant contributions to the role of Amalia, each bringing their unique interpretations to the character. Among them, Renata Scotto, active primarily during the 1960s and 1970s, stands out for her emotionally nuanced performances and her ability to infuse the role with a heightened sense of drama and sensitivity. Scotto's interpretation was noted for its passionate intensity and her adeptness at navigating the demanding vocal lines that Verdi composed. Another noteworthy interpreter is Katia Ricciarelli, whose active period in the 1970s and 1980s was marked by a distinctive lyrical quality and warmth in her vocal delivery. Ricciarelli's Amalia was praised for its elegant phrasing and the delicate balance she struck between vulnerability and strength. While neither Scotto nor Ricciarelli's performances of Amalia have been captured in widely known commercial recordings, their live performances contributed to the evolving tradition of this role, demonstrating the versatility and depth required to bring Verdi's complex heroine to life. Together, these sopranos have enriched the legacy of Amalia, ensuring that the role remains a compelling and richly rewarding challenge for performers on the operatic stage.
Giuseppe Verdi, one of the towering figures of 19th-century Italian opera, is celebrated for his masterful ability to blend powerful drama with memorable melody. Born in 1813 in Le Roncole, Italy, Verdi's operas are marked by their emotional depth, dramatic intensity, and innovative orchestration. "I Masnadieri," premiered in 1847 at Her Majesty's Theatre in London, is based on Friedrich Schiller's play "Die Räuber." This opera was composed during a period when Verdi was expanding his international reputation and experimenting with themes of freedom and rebellion, reflecting the turbulent sociopolitical atmosphere of Italy's Risorgimento. "I Masnadieri" is significant for its portrayal of complex characters and its exploration of moral ambiguity, a theme that resonates throughout Verdi's oeuvre. In this work, Verdi demonstrates his keen sensitivity to vocal writing, crafting arias and ensembles that not only showcase the singers' virtuosity but also deeply enhance the dramatic narrative. His use of the orchestra to underscore and amplify the emotional states of the characters further exemplifies his innovative approach, making "I Masnadieri" a compelling, if less frequently performed, gem in Verdi's operatic repertoire.
Lisette has performed Amalia 16 times.