Have you ever thought that the first few notes of Mozart’s overture to The Marriage of Figaro sound a little like a trapped bluebottle? Fiona Shaw has: and just as her production opens with one exuberant, fresh-eyed musical joke, her whole vision of Mozart’s masterpiece at English National Opera resounds with wit and energy. Jeremy Sams’ engaging English translation of Da Ponte’s libretto is full of fun, while strong performances from the principals (particularly in the second half) and warm playing from the English National Opera Orchestra give us a memorable evening of effervescent Mozart.
