Comments on: n’est ce plus ma chat?

By: Lyndon

Lyndon — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 05:08:20 +0000

No, GiacoPucci, you’re quite right. I am rather a poorsport about this.
But in all of the broadcasts I’ve been to, the sound is turned up to such a volume that there are no pianissimos or even pianos, and there is consequently a very short range of dynamics. Everything is just mezzoforte.
I know what the sound is really like in a theatre, but how about those that are encountering opera for the first time in these broadcasts? Aren’t they being trained to expect to hear this unrealistic very amplified sound?
Don’t get me wrong – I’m first in line to buy tickets to the local broadcast; and I do appreciate the broadcast for what it’s worth. It just irks me that the sound is so distorted.
Or am I crazy?

By: balabanov11

balabanov11 — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:21:26 +0000

wanted to note that while I don’t know how it came off via telecast, in the house the Manon aria was truly awful – she clearly has lost her fioratura technique, as well as her alt top – it was a sorry collection of mewing, straight tone, and strangled screaming in alt (and she never actually got to either of the D’s that are required). If this is any indication of the current state of her bel canto ability, I’d say that the upcoming Lucrezia in DC will be iffy, and that the Met should plan on cancelling that new production of Armida – I can’t imagine her singing Rossini at this point.

By: GiacoPucci

GiacoPucci — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 14:50:51 +0000

P. S. I forgot to ask, what was meant by the interview comment about Vargas stepping in at the last minute? As far as I’m concerned, his Lenski in “Eugene Onegin” is far superior to what we saw/heard lst night. Vargas is a sweetheart, but he is not as convincing a lover as are some of his Latin colleagues. Lyndon, excuse my overheated remark above. I admit, the sound was often less than perfection.

By: GiacoPucci

GiacoPucci — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 14:40:39 +0000

Lyndon, you are a sour old poorsport (as we used to call people like you). Balance and sound dynamics were excellent here in Kansas City. If there was a transmission problem, it was so slight it was not worth mentioning. We did not get subtitles on until midway through the first Traviata scene. I did not like the cuts to Times Square during a scene. When I saw a bank bust moving news sign, it jolted me back to reality too fast. Regardless, it was an opera opportunity I would have never had without H.D., and with my depleted finances. Thanks Mr. Gelb. Renee, you were ravishing. Robet Lloyd, I liked you lots. Your french diction, as well as voice, were excellent.

By: stagelefty

stagelefty — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 07:32:41 +0000

Saw the event at my local LA rolodex-plex. 1st time – I will definitely go again. Strauss fit her best, I think. She looked swell in everything, though I disagree with the whole concept of a separate designer from the production’s. Vargas not as thrilling as I would have thought. Hostae Graham & Voigt more entertaining than Hugh Downs used to be. Too much red carpet crapola, though… Bet Susie threw back the rest of Martha’s cocktail and two more before Capriccio… If opera is to remain a live theatre art form rather than a bunch of old recordings, its salvation lay in access via new media for new audiences to provide financial support. It’s good for opera. My theatre was full except for 3 front rows – regular transmissions sell out a couple weeks ahead.

By: Lyndon

Lyndon — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 04:21:11 +0000

Dynamics a little loud?
I’ve been at many of these hd broadcasts and they are all horribly overmiked. It’s impossible to form any opinion whatsoever about the voices or the orchestra from the sound that’s coming into the theatre.
And the constant moving of the cameras and quick cutting makes it impossible to enjoy the action on stage .
Tonight’s broadcast was the worst yet.
What a depressing spectacle.

By: Peter H

Peter H — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 03:47:04 +0000

Gorgeous, Loved it! Voight in Times Square, Graham elsewhere;
Fleming so unGodly beautiful, so superb. Love HDlive, saw it in Florida, dynamics a little loud.

By: jatm2063

jatm2063 — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 02:22:07 +0000

Caro Cieca, this is the first time I have participated in a live blog during a broadcast. It was fun! Thanks for arranging it.