Bluebeard sings sad tale

By Christy Larsen
Summer Forty-Niner

Long Beach Opera’s presentation of Bartok’s “Duke Bluebeard’s Castle” at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center is an emotional and psychological experience. The one-act opera takes the audience on a mysterious tale of love, isolation and sadness. 

Written by Hungarian Bela Bartok in 1911, the opera, which is sung in English, deals with symbolism of man’s complexities and the discovery of the inner self. 

The somber and mournful music, with only momentary lighter sections, sets the dramatic tone for this unusual opera.  Especially effective is the oboe’s sorrowful accompaniment.  Conductor Andreas Mitisek does an excellent job and is instrumental in the opera achieving its strong emotionality.

Also effective in presenting the dark mood of the opera is the creative lighting of Geoff Korf. He provides the set with dark shadows in Bluebeard’s castle and gives a visual background for each imagery.

Baritone Pavlo Hunka superbly performs the role of Duke Bluebeard.  His musical portrayal of the tortured man is both riveting and intense, giving the audience great insight into the dark side of his character. 

Bluebeard’s castle is where Judith, beautifully performed by soprano Kathleen Broderick, comes to proclaim her love for Bluebeard.  Broderick’s portrayal of her character’s pursuit for Bluebeard’s love and acceptance into his world is passionate and moving.