Fuzzy logic
Of course you’ve all heard of the Afro, the Jewfro and the Gayfro. So allow La Cieca to introduce you to the latest variant of this curly coiffure: the Castratfro, as modeled by countertenor Philippe Jaroussky in the opera Agrippina.
In the interest of fairness, La Cieca should point out that the big hair was probably not the countertenor’s idea any more than the “Pippin” makeup. In fact, as himself, Mr. Jaroussky is quite the cutie!
Listening and taping here. Agree !
The “Trittico” is indeed splendid. Licitra was in very fine voice and Bythe is awesome. I fell Levine tempi are a bit too slow, particulary in “Angelica” and for that the drama lacks some intensity
I just returned from the trittico prima, it was FABULOUS. The production was really spectacular and the suor angelica was most overwhelming. Frittoli was astounding and levine let her know it during the applause. He went to the edge of the pit and congratulated her himself. Guleghina was in good voice and Licitra sounded better than he did in pagliacci. The Michele, not played by an indisposed pons, was barely audible, and was the only vocal disappointment. Gianni Schicchi was the perfect end to a splendid evening and was hilarious. Corbelli especially. It clocked in at about 4hrs 15mins….about half an hour longer than the program said. I’m so glad this production is being brodcasted and taped for posterity!
WillyM
many thanks for lead on Landi, will pursue and yes I would go for staged performances of operas by Hasse, Graun etc, but I’m not holding my breath. Even the trickle of non Mozart 18th C German opera recordings seems to have dried up.
Alanr
They made a recording of highlights from the Zenobia – again something to listen to occassionally. While I was there I attended some 47 different operas everything from Peri’s Euridice (which they also recorded), the complete Monteverdi cycle, Campra’s Tancredi, Lully’s Alceste, right up to a Polish moden piece based on Quo Vadis. They were an adverturesome little company. If I knew how to I’d share the Zenobia with you.
Back to Mr. Jaroussky. His recital disc of Baroque arias is charming. One ought to have it.