hit it, boys!
When la Cieca’s dear friend and chief flunky around parterre.com JJ shlepped out this morning to fetch a copy of the New York Post, he seemed oddly keyed up. “With what I got in me, I could have been better than any of you,” JJ muttered.
Flinging the tabloid down on the breakfast bar, he continued, “What I’ve been holding down inside of me… oh, if I ever let it out, there wouldn’t be signs big enough! There wouldn’t be lights bright enough! Here he is, boys! Here he is, world! Here’s James!”
With a name like Zimmerman – what makes you think we want her in Southampton?
Sorry – forgot to mention- JJ has the fine art of “balance” in critical review. Not easily achieved and certainly not often begotten.
Yes, pity the FT only gives Bernheimer a limit of 300 words for his reviews.
I hear that MZ and crew have made some revisions to the Sonnambula productions.
For one thing, they’ve added another sleepwalker – an unknown named Bizkit….
I hope this works:
http://video.yahoo.com/network/100000086?v=4604399&l=100000085
Hey congratulations!!! I read it this morning and thought it was the best review so far-didn’t even notice who wrote it. Thank you for an accurate description of ND. I tried to listen to her with an open mind, but she destroyed my favorite recit of all time when she entered and then the aria itself about gave me a heart attack. I don’t think that was the intention of Bellini-to cause my death.
I’m finding that all of these bizarre stagings are spawning a truly hideous cycle in opera. I was looking so forward to this “Sonnambula” (to record on DVD when telecast) as being really
spectacular. I don’t doubt that Florez does the best singing in the show (has anyone else ever sung this role as well??), but the buzz on Dessay is a little sad. We know that in this opera she’s not Callas or even Sutherland —- but should she really be singing this opera at all? In fact, given this ugly and inappropriate production, why even put on “Sonnambula” at all? I wonder what Callas would have done if La Scala or Covent Garden designed such a “Sonnambula” for her.
Martin Bernheimer has turned the short review into an art-form of which is uniquely a master. No-one writes pithier, wittier, more opinionated or to to-the-point reviews in 300 words. He is essential reading on the NY opera scene. James Jordan’s review tells you everything you need to know about the evening. Sad to read about Dessay’s current vocal state. She was a delight in Fille at Covent Garden. I hope she will be okay for your Hamlets next season. That was her RO debut and it was a sensation. It was a few years ago, however. Neither she, nor S Keenlyside are getting any younger.
Thanks for the review. Finally, an intelligent and informed alternative to the tired, sycophantic, and clueless ramblings from the NYT. Hopefully they pay you well. Brava!
Congratulations to JJ, to the paper, to the readers and to fans of opera and of intelligent and witty music criticism worldwide!!!
The art of operatic criticism will survive!!!!!!
BRAVO!!!!!
Wonderful JJ!!! Now there’s SOMETHING to read in the Post!
But go easy on my Natalie.