Comments on: hit it, boys! http://parterre.com/2009/03/04/give-em-love-and-what-does-it-get-you/ where opera is king and you, the readers, are queens Sun, 27 May 2012 05:39:22 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Zinka the Kunc http://parterre.com/2009/03/04/give-em-love-and-what-does-it-get-you/comment-page-10/#comment-52581 Zinka the Kunc Sat, 07 Mar 2009 07:44:12 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=3022#comment-52581 Jorden RULES!!(I am not sure exactly WHAT he rules..but I think he must rule something.). How dull life would be without this dude...I am prejudiced of course...but I think we all recognize this guy/goy/gay as a special personage in our lives.....Personally, if one of my friends ever got hit by a truck, James would be the one to inherit all my Rings....(I mean the Wagner ones,of course) Do you think we could get up a petition for James to star on the VIEW!!!! WHOOOOPIE!!!!! Jorden RULES!!(I am not sure exactly WHAT he rules..but I think he must rule something.).
How dull life would be without this dude…I am prejudiced of course…but I think we all recognize this guy/goy/gay as a special personage in our lives…..Personally, if one of my friends ever got hit by a truck, James would be the one to inherit all my Rings….(I mean the Wagner ones,of course)
Do you think we could get up a petition for James to star on the VIEW!!!! WHOOOOPIE!!!!!

]]> By: Alto http://parterre.com/2009/03/04/give-em-love-and-what-does-it-get-you/comment-page-10/#comment-52428 Alto Fri, 06 Mar 2009 08:06:49 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=3022#comment-52428 87, your writings here have never read to me like those of an infant. And you seem to miss the possibility that one can be the same age as S.K. (or even younger) and still have heard him during those years. The fact that he was performing one of sixteen boys in one of the world's most exposed choirs and making recordings as a small boy (not to mention sight-reading absolutely anything) must have been better preparation for his career than most have these days. 87, your writings here have never read to me like those of an infant.

And you seem to miss the possibility that one can be the same age as S.K. (or even younger) and still have heard him during those years. The fact that he was performing one of sixteen boys in one of the world’s most exposed choirs and making recordings as a small boy (not to mention sight-reading absolutely anything) must have been better preparation for his career than most have these days.

]]> By: arepo http://parterre.com/2009/03/04/give-em-love-and-what-does-it-get-you/comment-page-10/#comment-52345 arepo Thu, 05 Mar 2009 22:04:05 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=3022#comment-52345 JJ: Well deserved. Toi, toi, toi! JJ:
Well deserved.
Toi, toi, toi!

]]> By: All-Knowing Seashell http://parterre.com/2009/03/04/give-em-love-and-what-does-it-get-you/comment-page-10/#comment-52319 All-Knowing Seashell Thu, 05 Mar 2009 20:58:27 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=3022#comment-52319 Kudos to JJ, and congratulations. The curious thing about this misguided production is that the Met has hired erstwhile staff stage director Leslie Koenig, given that Gelb, by his own admission, is not strictly-speaking an "opera guy," to help him and the senior artistic staff "vet," shape, and edit new production concepts as they're being pitched. Did all of them share a bong together before sitting through MZ's presentation for her "Sonnambula" concept? Kudos to JJ, and congratulations.

The curious thing about this misguided production is that the Met has hired erstwhile staff stage director Leslie Koenig, given that Gelb, by his own admission, is not strictly-speaking an “opera guy,” to help him and the senior artistic staff “vet,” shape, and edit new production concepts as they’re being pitched. Did all of them share a bong together before sitting through MZ’s presentation for her “Sonnambula” concept?

]]> By: Operaman http://parterre.com/2009/03/04/give-em-love-and-what-does-it-get-you/comment-page-9/#comment-52313 Operaman Thu, 05 Mar 2009 20:45:54 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=3022#comment-52313 When I saw Bizkit on Dooce I near to split my sides a-laffin'. And I immediately thought of La Sonnambula! This is waaay too good not to make the Portland Opera blog next week. When I saw Bizkit on Dooce I near to split my sides a-laffin’. And I immediately thought of La Sonnambula! This is waaay too good not to make the Portland Opera blog next week.

]]> By: Operaman http://parterre.com/2009/03/04/give-em-love-and-what-does-it-get-you/comment-page-9/#comment-52312 Operaman Thu, 05 Mar 2009 20:43:03 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=3022#comment-52312 Please let me add my congratulations on a really fine piece of work. Please let me add my congratulations on a really fine piece of work.

]]> By: idreno http://parterre.com/2009/03/04/give-em-love-and-what-does-it-get-you/comment-page-9/#comment-52294 idreno Thu, 05 Mar 2009 18:20:21 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=3022#comment-52294 Brava Cieca! ... tu canti agli angeli le tue orazioni... Brava Cieca! … tu canti agli angeli le tue orazioni…

]]> By: Cassandra http://parterre.com/2009/03/04/give-em-love-and-what-does-it-get-you/comment-page-9/#comment-52273 Cassandra Thu, 05 Mar 2009 15:33:12 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=3022#comment-52273 "I heard him when he was an outstanding boy soprano and again when he was a choral scholar at Cambridge, and I’m not really ready to think of even myself as over the hill." Good god, then I'm an infant! “I heard him when he was an outstanding boy soprano and again when he was a choral scholar at Cambridge, and I’m not really ready to think of even myself as over the hill.”

Good god, then I’m an infant!

]]> By: Cassandra http://parterre.com/2009/03/04/give-em-love-and-what-does-it-get-you/comment-page-9/#comment-52272 Cassandra Thu, 05 Mar 2009 15:32:00 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=3022#comment-52272 "“banned from the MET forever”;" There are several people involved in this production, both from the production team and the singers, that SHOULD be banned from the Met forever. ““banned from the MET forever”;”

There are several people involved in this production, both from the production team and the singers, that SHOULD be banned from the Met forever.

]]> By: Sir Ferris http://parterre.com/2009/03/04/give-em-love-and-what-does-it-get-you/comment-page-9/#comment-52265 Sir Ferris Thu, 05 Mar 2009 14:14:03 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=3022#comment-52265 And I hope that with the NYPost gig, Parterre Box will continue to flourish-it's one of my regular pleasures. And I hope that with the NYPost gig, Parterre Box will continue to flourish-it’s one of my regular pleasures.

]]> By: Buster http://parterre.com/2009/03/04/give-em-love-and-what-does-it-get-you/comment-page-9/#comment-52246 Buster Thu, 05 Mar 2009 11:12:58 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=3022#comment-52246 I thought God was a woman? http://www.kellygod.com/ I thought God was a woman?

http://www.kellygod.com/

]]> By: 33blueberries http://parterre.com/2009/03/04/give-em-love-and-what-does-it-get-you/comment-page-9/#comment-52234 33blueberries Thu, 05 Mar 2009 05:43:30 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=3022#comment-52234 Yah. God sounds like Boris Christoff. Yah. God sounds like Boris Christoff.

]]> By: maria http://parterre.com/2009/03/04/give-em-love-and-what-does-it-get-you/comment-page-9/#comment-52228 maria Thu, 05 Mar 2009 04:55:33 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=3022#comment-52228 "Keenlyside is 49 years old. And the man sings like a god." I heard god sing recently and Keenlyside doesn't sound anything like him. “Keenlyside is 49 years old. And the man sings like a god.”

I heard god sing recently and Keenlyside doesn’t sound anything like him.

]]> By: Alto http://parterre.com/2009/03/04/give-em-love-and-what-does-it-get-you/comment-page-9/#comment-52225 Alto Thu, 05 Mar 2009 04:24:50 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=3022#comment-52225 "Neither she, nor S Keenlyside are getting any younger." My god! That really is going too far. Keenlyside is 49 years old. And the man sings like a god. I heard him when he was an outstanding boy soprano and again when he was a choral scholar at Cambridge, and I'm not really ready to think of even myself as over the hill. Why must such meaningless bitchiness be voiced? Have you no other means of taking out your frustrations? “Neither she, nor S Keenlyside are getting any younger.”

My god! That really is going too far.

Keenlyside is 49 years old. And the man sings like a god.

I heard him when he was an outstanding boy soprano and again when he was a choral scholar at Cambridge, and I’m not really ready to think of even myself as over the hill.

Why must such meaningless bitchiness be voiced? Have you no other means of taking out your frustrations?

]]> By: actfive http://parterre.com/2009/03/04/give-em-love-and-what-does-it-get-you/comment-page-8/#comment-52213 actfive Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:53:44 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=3022#comment-52213 Wonderful JJ!!! Now there's SOMETHING to read in the Post! But go easy on my Natalie. Wonderful JJ!!! Now there’s SOMETHING to read in the Post!
But go easy on my Natalie.

]]> By: CasualOperaFan http://parterre.com/2009/03/04/give-em-love-and-what-does-it-get-you/comment-page-8/#comment-52209 CasualOperaFan Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:30:12 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=3022#comment-52209 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!!!!! 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!!!!!

]]> By: Dubist Derlenz http://parterre.com/2009/03/04/give-em-love-and-what-does-it-get-you/comment-page-8/#comment-52208 Dubist Derlenz Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:22:22 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=3022#comment-52208 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! 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!

]]> By: Regina delle fate http://parterre.com/2009/03/04/give-em-love-and-what-does-it-get-you/comment-page-8/#comment-52200 Regina delle fate Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:51:19 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=3022#comment-52200 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. 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.

]]> By: Larry Manning http://parterre.com/2009/03/04/give-em-love-and-what-does-it-get-you/comment-page-8/#comment-52191 Larry Manning Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:57:02 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=3022#comment-52191 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. 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.

]]> By: lululady http://parterre.com/2009/03/04/give-em-love-and-what-does-it-get-you/comment-page-8/#comment-52188 lululady Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:14:52 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=3022#comment-52188 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. 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.

]]> By: Zzzzzznombula http://parterre.com/2009/03/04/give-em-love-and-what-does-it-get-you/comment-page-8/#comment-52187 Zzzzzznombula Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:09:31 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=3022#comment-52187 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 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

]]> By: Quanto Painy Fakor http://parterre.com/2009/03/04/give-em-love-and-what-does-it-get-you/comment-page-8/#comment-52184 Quanto Painy Fakor Wed, 04 Mar 2009 23:48:51 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=3022#comment-52184 Yes, pity the FT only gives Bernheimer a limit of 300 words for his reviews. Yes, pity the FT only gives Bernheimer a limit of 300 words for his reviews.

]]> By: wowkle http://parterre.com/2009/03/04/give-em-love-and-what-does-it-get-you/comment-page-8/#comment-52179 wowkle Wed, 04 Mar 2009 23:22:15 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=3022#comment-52179 Sorry - forgot to mention- JJ has the fine art of "balance" in critical review. Not easily achieved and certainly not often begotten. Sorry – forgot to mention- JJ has the fine art of “balance” in critical review. Not easily achieved and certainly not often begotten.

]]> By: wowkle http://parterre.com/2009/03/04/give-em-love-and-what-does-it-get-you/comment-page-8/#comment-52176 wowkle Wed, 04 Mar 2009 23:16:58 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=3022#comment-52176 With a name like Zimmerman - what makes you think we want her in Southampton? With a name like Zimmerman – what makes you think we want her in Southampton?

]]> By: Brooklynpunk http://parterre.com/2009/03/04/give-em-love-and-what-does-it-get-you/comment-page-7/#comment-52166 Brooklynpunk Wed, 04 Mar 2009 22:35:52 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=3022#comment-52166 Mr Myster: Zimmerman is a FUCKING AMERICAN....and the majority of her theaterical work was born and bred in the US of A... Mr Myster:

Zimmerman is a FUCKING AMERICAN….and the majority of her theaterical work was born and bred in the US of A…

]]> By: pavel http://parterre.com/2009/03/04/give-em-love-and-what-does-it-get-you/comment-page-7/#comment-52162 pavel Wed, 04 Mar 2009 22:30:23 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=3022#comment-52162 And is he trying to say that Houston-born Jennifer Black is British, too? And is he trying to say that Houston-born Jennifer Black is British, too?

]]> By: Straussmonster http://parterre.com/2009/03/04/give-em-love-and-what-does-it-get-you/comment-page-7/#comment-52160 Straussmonster Wed, 04 Mar 2009 22:25:56 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=3022#comment-52160 Apparently the note that Zimmerman is an American has bypassed some commentators--or not, is this performance art? Apparently the note that Zimmerman is an American has bypassed some commentators–or not, is this performance art?

]]> By: mrmyster http://parterre.com/2009/03/04/give-em-love-and-what-does-it-get-you/comment-page-7/#comment-52158 mrmyster Wed, 04 Mar 2009 22:11:43 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=3022#comment-52158 JJ's entry into mainstream opera criticism is logical -- and has been in the zeitgeist for a long time, in my view. Opera is a 'special' art, and sometimes only a 'special' person can handle it. Along with JJ's fine observations and well-stated commentary on Sonnambula (and many other topies), I would commend Bernheimer in today's Financial Times. Not to miss!!! Martin has his own distinctive style and the FT makes him write briefly, but he gets it all said and his view is crystal-clear. Miss Zimmerman should be shown to her stateroom on the next White Star trans-Atlantic liner and her passport confiscated upon arrival at Southampton. Good bye, Mme. Z. (That last comment is mine, not Martins, tho' I doubt he would object. This Met opera-obsession with Brits is one of it's darker aspects in recent decades; add Santa Fe to that list, and oh yes, we have Jennifer Black's Elisir d'Amore to put up with this summer in Santa Fe -- or, maybe not!) JJ’s entry into mainstream opera criticism is logical — and has been in the zeitgeist for a long time, in my view. Opera is a ‘special’ art, and sometimes only a ‘special’ person can handle it. Along with JJ’s fine observations and well-stated commentary on Sonnambula (and many other topies), I would commend Bernheimer in today’s Financial Times. Not to miss!!! Martin has his own distinctive style and the FT makes him write briefly, but he gets it all said and his view is crystal-clear.
Miss Zimmerman should be shown to her stateroom on the next White Star trans-Atlantic liner and her passport confiscated upon arrival at Southampton. Good bye, Mme. Z. (That last comment is mine, not Martins, tho’ I doubt he would object. This Met opera-obsession with Brits is one of it’s darker aspects in recent decades; add Santa Fe to that list, and oh yes, we have Jennifer Black’s Elisir d’Amore to put up with this summer in Santa Fe — or, maybe not!)

]]> By: Niel Rishoi http://parterre.com/2009/03/04/give-em-love-and-what-does-it-get-you/comment-page-7/#comment-52149 Niel Rishoi Wed, 04 Mar 2009 21:41:25 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=3022#comment-52149 Allow me to add to the hearty congratulations, James, on your New York Post job! Allow me to add to the hearty congratulations, James, on your New York Post job!

]]> By: ashton http://parterre.com/2009/03/04/give-em-love-and-what-does-it-get-you/comment-page-7/#comment-52147 ashton Wed, 04 Mar 2009 21:33:35 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=3022#comment-52147 Great review dear JJ and your wonderful lead in on parterre only reafirms by belief that all of life's experiences can be described using lines from Gypsy. Can't wait to read your next review. Great review dear JJ and your wonderful lead in on parterre only reafirms by belief that all of life’s experiences can be described using lines from Gypsy.
Can’t wait to read your next review.

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