GT 100530
By: KAI MARTIN
En Touch Of Tabube 0
++++
“A Touch of Taube” is a great show with, most of the time, Evert Taube’s music in the center. Freddie Wadling is a refreshingly odd bird among the trill of beautiful singers Helen Sjöholm and Fredrik Lycke. The latters are those who, along with conductor Joseph Rhedin, are doing the job as masters of ceremonies. The crouching Freddie Wadling, sitting on a few bridgeliked boxes, that give a feeling of salt spray, is what makes it squeak, fragrant and a little painful.
Rich melodies
He has invited Procol Harum “A Salty Dog”, a rich dramatic melody where Freddie Wadling’s voice struggle against the opera chorus and orchestra. He also makes his own “Ships” and “The shifting of the sands”, where the latter is a duet with Helen Sjöholm. Well, there are moments in “A Touch of Taube” where Freddie Wadling is struggling with a musical straitjacket. But his naive explosivity still catches the essence of the melodies.
Helen Sjöholm also possesses that special ability to sing straight from the heart. Her pure voice is powerful, empathetic and touching. Fredrik Lycke sings musicals and operettas as never before and has a kinship with Tommy Körberg. He has broadness and expertise – and also humor. His “The lucky naturist”, where he is whistling and singing, and not to mention takes off his clothes piece by piece until there is nothing left to take off, is actually really funny. The debuting Gothenburg Opera children’s choir also charms a lot with force and unadulterated energy.
Fresh investment “A touch of Taube” is a healthy investment. Perhaps with a little congested and sometimes inflexible arrangement. Still, a musical encounter that leaves you with a taste for more.
FACTS
A Touch Of Taube
With: Helen Sjöholm, Fredrik Lycke and Freddie Wadling with Gothenburg Opera Chorus, orchestra and children’s choir
In: Gothenburg Opera, Gothenburg
Audience: 1180
Best: Frederick Lycke’s naked shock is really fun.
Worst: The persistent cell phone signal sounding through the first act.