Teatro Villamarta (Jerez) 18/06/2021

Opera World - Robert Benito

"... This was undoubtedly the Barber of Manel Esteve as Figaro that the public knew how to reward by applauding from his initial aria "Largo al factotum" to the final greetings, with an standing ovation. This Catalan baritone gave us an anthology interpretation of a vocally complicated role and a constant, quasi-exhausting stage presence. A generous voice in dynamic nuances, in colors that adapted to Rossinian theatrical-vocal irony, ornamentation of style without losing freshness and a vocal projection that crossed the orchestra with ease and generosity with an admirable command of the fiato. But without a doubt, beyond a coloratura resolved without problems, two musical aspects that are often hidden in this role must be highlighted: the singing line and the filling with the rest of the soloists in the duets, and other groups, in which This character constantly participates and that Manel Esteve offered us with a know-how to say and do in the vein of the best singers in this role, like Bruscantini in the past. If the vocal part was full, the theatrical shows once again its quality as a total interpreter. Figaro is a role that can easily fall into histrionics and Esteve led it to a human comedy of who is known to be the center of a theatrical action, creating synergies with his partners, feeding and receiving the comic intuitions that the play already has without empty exaggerations. but humanizing a role that represents the mischief and solidarity..."