Scipio's Dream, composed by Mozart in 1771, is a lesser-known one-act opera presented by OrpheusPDX. The production featured talented sopranos and tenors who effectively executed the opera's intricate and repetitive arias. Sung in Italian with English subtitles, the performance excelled in an intimate setting at Portland State University's Lincoln Hall, supported by a 25-piece orchestra. Its unfamiliarity contributed to its success, surprising audiences unfamiliar with the opera's content and style, leading to enthusiastic responses during the performances on August 2 and August 3.
The two sopranos and two tenors had the chops - both singing and acting abilities - to pull off the long repetitive arias, which were heavily ornamented the second and third time around.
If only tenors and sopranos sang, the bright sound made up for a full range of voices.
OrpheusPDX operas are built on intimacy, though Deanna Tham conducted a 25-piece orchestra with five student musicians - so it wasn't exactly a chamber opera.
The opera's unfamiliarity, cleverly turned into a fresh and funny production, is one of the reasons this 90-minute piece was such a surprise hit.
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