Comments on: the art of the euphemism http://parterre.com/2009/03/26/the-art-of-the-euphemism/ where opera is king and you, the readers, are queens Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:12:17 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Camille http://parterre.com/2009/03/26/the-art-of-the-euphemism/comment-page-15/#comment-57802 Camille Tue, 31 Mar 2009 19:01:28 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=3211#comment-57802 To Miss Brewer: God speed and good luck with your healing process, and will you please come back to us in the following Ring Cycles to show everybody what you are, i.e., a SUPERB vocal talent! From that first Ariadne, I felt you held the potential to be the greatest Brunnhilde of this era, and it is my fervent hope that you will have that opportunity, if not at the Met, then in another important cycle. To Miss Brewer: God speed and good luck with your healing process, and will you please come back to us in the following Ring Cycles to show everybody what you are, i.e., a SUPERB vocal talent!

From that first Ariadne, I felt you held the potential to be the greatest Brunnhilde of this era, and it is my fervent hope that you will have that opportunity, if not at the Met, then in another important cycle.

]]> By: mrmyster http://parterre.com/2009/03/26/the-art-of-the-euphemism/comment-page-15/#comment-57721 mrmyster Tue, 31 Mar 2009 05:42:38 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=3211#comment-57721 Thank you, Lad; I shall use that at my next opera cocktail party. :) (care to attend?) Thank you, Lad; I shall use that at my next opera cocktail party. :)
(care to attend?)

]]> By: Operalad http://parterre.com/2009/03/26/the-art-of-the-euphemism/comment-page-15/#comment-57692 Operalad Tue, 31 Mar 2009 01:21:10 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=3211#comment-57692 Although that implies that the discussion itself in operatic in its scope, but not necesarily about Opera. To make it clear that the palace is for the discussion of opera, one would need to say: Ein Palast wo es alles um Oper geht. Although that implies that the discussion itself in operatic in its scope, but not necesarily about Opera. To make it clear that the palace is for the discussion of opera, one would need to say: Ein Palast wo es alles um Oper geht.

]]> By: Operalad http://parterre.com/2009/03/26/the-art-of-the-euphemism/comment-page-15/#comment-57691 Operalad Tue, 31 Mar 2009 01:18:26 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=3211#comment-57691 Ein Palast der Opernhafte Diskussion. Ein Palast der Opernhafte Diskussion.

]]> By: mrmyster http://parterre.com/2009/03/26/the-art-of-the-euphemism/comment-page-15/#comment-57649 mrmyster Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:11:18 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=3211#comment-57649 #144 - Anon. Thank you for your posting on Christine; I really felt better seeing that on here after all the inuendo and snark, some even from La Cieca, who does not usually adopt that style. "Six weeks recovery at home," is what one opera official told me. I would say six months recovery at home, during which she loses 75 lbs (just as a beginning), and that would reassure her and insure another good five years of a big-earning career. Otherwise, I have my worries. Once the knees start to go for big girls there is rarely any turning back. She is as you know, and I say this affectionately, 'German as all get out,' and that includes stubborn. So, this terrible Met episode may help her, finally, make up her very strong mind to do something wise concerning weight. Have you seen a photo of her at age 30? She had a fabulous figure and was beautiful. She did not have a reliable top voice until about ten years ago when the whole thing fell into place and took on that very rich tonal lustre; now if she'd take off just #100, all would be very very well and the Met could let Miss V. go out to her well-earned pasture. Hold the fort, Anon, and keep bringing some decency to this, um, er ... Palace of Operatic Discussion. How do you say that in German? :) #144 – Anon. Thank you for your posting on Christine; I really felt better seeing that on here after all the inuendo and snark, some even from La Cieca, who does not usually adopt that style. “Six weeks recovery at home,” is what one opera official told me. I would say six months recovery at home, during which she loses 75 lbs (just as a beginning), and that would reassure her and insure another good five years of a big-earning career. Otherwise, I have my worries. Once the knees start to go for big girls there is rarely any turning back. She is as you know, and I say this affectionately, ‘German as all get out,’ and that includes stubborn. So, this terrible Met episode may help her, finally, make up her very strong mind to do something wise concerning weight. Have you seen a photo of her at age 30? She had a fabulous figure and was beautiful. She did not have a reliable top voice until about ten years ago when the whole thing fell into place and took on that very rich tonal lustre; now if she’d take off just #100, all would be very very well and the Met could let Miss V. go out to her well-earned pasture. Hold the fort, Anon, and keep bringing some decency to this, um, er … Palace of Operatic Discussion. How do you say that in German? :)

]]> By: Anon http://parterre.com/2009/03/26/the-art-of-the-euphemism/comment-page-15/#comment-57634 Anon Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:55:37 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=3211#comment-57634 Ugh...I really wish people would learn to de-fang themselves before speaking or writing. I know Christine and she is a consummate professional. You can ask the artistic department of the Met for the test results from the Dr. that Miss Brewer was sent to here in NY (by the suggestion of the artistic dept.). If you only knew how upset she was about not being able to perform in this cycle. There was lots of crying and a lot done to try to have her sing any portion of the cycle, but as she is not allowed to walk for a week, must swim to exercise and then walk with a walker per the Dr's orders, I doubt that this is a "rumor" as some have called it. Christine has been preparing for this cycle for the better part of 3 years and is devastated to say the least. Let's not add to her misery and disappointment by spreading untruths. Ugh…I really wish people would learn to de-fang themselves before speaking or writing. I know Christine and she is a consummate professional. You can ask the artistic department of the Met for the test results from the Dr. that Miss Brewer was sent to here in NY (by the suggestion of the artistic dept.). If you only knew how upset she was about not being able to perform in this cycle. There was lots of crying and a lot done to try to have her sing any portion of the cycle, but as she is not allowed to walk for a week, must swim to exercise and then walk with a walker per the Dr’s orders, I doubt that this is a “rumor” as some have called it. Christine has been preparing for this cycle for the better part of 3 years and is devastated to say the least. Let’s not add to her misery and disappointment by spreading untruths.

]]> By: Sir Morosus http://parterre.com/2009/03/26/the-art-of-the-euphemism/comment-page-15/#comment-57578 Sir Morosus Mon, 30 Mar 2009 11:35:29 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=3211#comment-57578 # 142 I highly recommend Brewers new English language recital on Chandos. Maybe the voice is just too opulent for Mozart, but the emroidery aria from Grimes and Magda's big scene from "The Consul" especially had me cheering. That would be a great role for her on stage. # 142 I highly recommend Brewers new English language recital on Chandos. Maybe the voice is just too opulent for Mozart, but the emroidery aria from Grimes and Magda’s big scene from “The Consul” especially had me cheering. That would be a great role for her on stage.

]]> By: Regina delle fate http://parterre.com/2009/03/26/the-art-of-the-euphemism/comment-page-15/#comment-57572 Regina delle fate Mon, 30 Mar 2009 10:05:04 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=3211#comment-57572 Considering her size and her indeed considerably flourishing concert career, Brewer has a more than creditable record in opera: Donna Anna, Haydn's Armida, Ariadne, Ellen Orford, the title role in Gloriana in St Louis, where she has continued to sing because it's near her home. Both Donna Anna - which she recorded with Sir Charles Mackerras around concert performances at the Edinburgh Festival - and Countess Almaviva at Covent Garden (who stopped using her because of the size issue). Ariadne at ENO, the Met, and, I think, Santa Fe. Ellen Orford at Santa Fe. Fidelio, Isolde in San Francisco, Färbersfrau at Lyric Opera and the Opéra de Paris. In London - which I realise is a village compared to New York - she is regarded as a much greater singer than Renée Fleming. Every orchestra wants her, all the leading British conductors ask for her and she is an annual fixture at the Proms, Wigmore Hall and Barbican Hall, often making several appearances per season. Singers can actually have major careers outside the Met. Brewer is one of them. Of course, the big record companies won't use her because they can't get her pictures into the glossy magazines. It's easier to sell Danielle De Niese. Brewer is a wonderful singer. If you consider that she is now 52 or 53, her voice is in amazing shape. She should lose weight, however, and I think Cassandra is wrong saying she is smaller than Blythe. She's been pretty obese for at least 15 years and it may be that now the chickens are coming home to roost. It's a great shame. Considering her size and her indeed considerably flourishing concert career, Brewer has a more than creditable record in opera: Donna Anna, Haydn’s Armida, Ariadne, Ellen Orford, the title role in Gloriana in St Louis, where she has continued to sing because it’s near her home. Both Donna Anna – which she recorded with Sir Charles Mackerras around concert performances at the Edinburgh Festival – and Countess Almaviva at Covent Garden (who stopped using her because of the size issue). Ariadne at ENO, the Met, and, I think, Santa Fe. Ellen Orford at Santa Fe. Fidelio, Isolde in San Francisco, Färbersfrau at Lyric Opera and the Opéra de Paris. In London – which I realise is a village compared to New York – she is regarded as a much greater singer than Renée Fleming. Every orchestra wants her, all the leading British conductors ask for her and she is an annual fixture at the Proms, Wigmore Hall and Barbican Hall, often making several appearances per season. Singers can actually have major careers outside the Met. Brewer is one of them. Of course, the big record companies won’t use her because they can’t get her pictures into the glossy magazines. It’s easier to sell Danielle De Niese. Brewer is a wonderful singer. If you consider that she is now 52 or 53, her voice is in amazing shape. She should lose weight, however, and I think Cassandra is wrong saying she is smaller than Blythe. She’s been pretty obese for at least 15 years and it may be that now the chickens are coming home to roost. It’s a great shame.

]]> By: Nerva Nelli http://parterre.com/2009/03/26/the-art-of-the-euphemism/comment-page-15/#comment-57569 Nerva Nelli Mon, 30 Mar 2009 08:56:50 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=3211#comment-57569 136 "Dyke, ya know." 136

“Dyke, ya know.”

]]> By: alexyathymia http://parterre.com/2009/03/26/the-art-of-the-euphemism/comment-page-14/#comment-57557 alexyathymia Mon, 30 Mar 2009 03:42:32 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=3211#comment-57557 Ahaha--I was at a concert recital of Caballe' in 1988 [9? 90?]--she gave "O Mio Babbino"--as an encore, I think--and sang "GRAN DIO, VORREI MORIR." Awesome, right? I could not have made that up XD Ahaha–I was at a concert recital of Caballe’ in 1988 [9? 90?]–she gave “O Mio Babbino”–as an encore, I think–and sang “GRAN DIO, VORREI MORIR.” Awesome, right? I could not have made that up XD

]]> By: paddypig http://parterre.com/2009/03/26/the-art-of-the-euphemism/comment-page-14/#comment-57530 paddypig Mon, 30 Mar 2009 01:41:41 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=3211#comment-57530 caballe also could show up unprepared. her ariadne at the MET was famous for having the score pasted all over the set. she did not remember the role at all. caballe also could show up unprepared. her ariadne at the MET was famous for having the score pasted all over the set. she did not remember the role at all.

]]> By: wotan_in_inman http://parterre.com/2009/03/26/the-art-of-the-euphemism/comment-page-14/#comment-57513 wotan_in_inman Sun, 29 Mar 2009 22:22:45 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=3211#comment-57513 Brian, it's taken me a while, but I've got to say you delight me. You've got a "chips-fall-where-they-may" attitude which is both abrading and exhilarating, like those Finnish saunas. But that doesn't mean you can call on me to pick up your broken bleeding body out of some alley. Brian, it’s taken me a while, but I’ve got to say you delight me. You’ve got a “chips-fall-where-they-may” attitude which is both abrading and exhilarating, like those Finnish saunas.

But that doesn’t mean you can call on me to pick up your broken bleeding body out of some alley.

]]> By: brian http://parterre.com/2009/03/26/the-art-of-the-euphemism/comment-page-14/#comment-57510 brian Sun, 29 Mar 2009 22:05:05 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=3211#comment-57510 gosh, nerva it took you long enough to get the spelling right. gosh, nerva it took you long enough to get the spelling right.

]]> By: La Cieca http://parterre.com/2009/03/26/the-art-of-the-euphemism/comment-page-14/#comment-57499 La Cieca Sun, 29 Mar 2009 19:08:14 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=3211#comment-57499 brian: I could believe that the net cost of engaging Polaski to jump into three performances could esaily top $100,000. First there would probably be some premium or bonus built into Polaski's fee, then presumably the Met have to cover at least some of the costs of finding a replacement Kostelicka for Munich's <I>Jenufa</I>, the production Polaski would have to abandon to go into the Met's <I>Ring</I>. I would guess, though, that the speculation is moot, because it's a new production in Munich, to be repeated in that company's summer festival, a very high-profile assignment for Polaski. Plus, world-class Kostelkickas don't exactly grow on bushes. Surely, too, Polaski understands that her Brunnhilde days are mostly behind her, and that whatever future she has as a singer will be in roles like the Kostelnicka. brian: I could believe that the net cost of engaging Polaski to jump into three performances could esaily top $100,000. First there would probably be some premium or bonus built into Polaski’s fee, then presumably the Met have to cover at least some of the costs of finding a replacement Kostelicka for Munich’s Jenufa, the production Polaski would have to abandon to go into the Met’s Ring.

I would guess, though, that the speculation is moot, because it’s a new production in Munich, to be repeated in that company’s summer festival, a very high-profile assignment for Polaski. Plus, world-class Kostelkickas don’t exactly grow on bushes. Surely, too, Polaski understands that her Brunnhilde days are mostly behind her, and that whatever future she has as a singer will be in roles like the Kostelnicka.

]]> By: wotan_in_inman http://parterre.com/2009/03/26/the-art-of-the-euphemism/comment-page-14/#comment-57496 wotan_in_inman Sun, 29 Mar 2009 18:41:41 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=3211#comment-57496 Wouldn't it depend on the director? If (s)he has set an "open rehearsal" policy, then anything goes. But often a "closed rehearsal" is declared; that means "what happens here STAYS here!", in which case leaks would be cause for dismissal. Wouldn’t it depend on the director? If (s)he has set an “open rehearsal” policy, then anything goes. But often a “closed rehearsal” is declared; that means “what happens here STAYS here!”, in which case leaks would be cause for dismissal.

]]> By: messa di voce http://parterre.com/2009/03/26/the-art-of-the-euphemism/comment-page-14/#comment-57485 messa di voce Sun, 29 Mar 2009 17:20:06 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=3211#comment-57485 Fanciulla: MC was well-known, at least in the first part of her career when she was singing frequently, for going blank on the text while singing. Some of her greatest triumphs (Puritani, Armida) were drilled into her brain in a matter of days, up to and including opening night. Fanciulla:

MC was well-known, at least in the first part of her career when she was singing frequently, for going blank on the text while singing.

Some of her greatest triumphs (Puritani, Armida) were drilled into her brain in a matter of days, up to and including opening night.

]]> By: Something Called Nerva Nelli http://parterre.com/2009/03/26/the-art-of-the-euphemism/comment-page-14/#comment-57476 Something Called Nerva Nelli Sun, 29 Mar 2009 16:55:54 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=3211#comment-57476 I apologize for calling Brian an "opiniated ignoramus". I meant, of course, an "opinionated ignoramus". I apologize for calling Brian an “opiniated ignoramus”.

I meant, of course, an “opinionated ignoramus”.

]]> By: Inquest O'Redger http://parterre.com/2009/03/26/the-art-of-the-euphemism/comment-page-14/#comment-57472 Inquest O'Redger Sun, 29 Mar 2009 16:25:32 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=3211#comment-57472 PoisonIvy, we need to give Mr Tuggle a series on 'unnatural acts'! PoisonIvy, we need to give Mr Tuggle a series on ‘unnatural acts’!

]]> By: PoisonIvy http://parterre.com/2009/03/26/the-art-of-the-euphemism/comment-page-14/#comment-57471 PoisonIvy Sun, 29 Mar 2009 16:17:10 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=3211#comment-57471 I'd also like to add, that, with a few exceptions, I find that those truly "in the know" often don't say anything, out of respect for the artists or organization. For instance Met archivist Robert Tuggle (great guy) works in a charmingly messy office right beneath the Met rehearsal rooms. I've been there, and you really can here everything. So he would probably be a gold mine for gossip, including any and all rehearsal fights, diva tantrums, who is sounding great, who is sounding awful, etc. But he doesn't do that sort of thing. I’d also like to add, that, with a few exceptions, I find that those truly “in the know” often don’t say anything, out of respect for the artists or organization. For instance Met archivist Robert Tuggle (great guy) works in a charmingly messy office right beneath the Met rehearsal rooms. I’ve been there, and you really can here everything. So he would probably be a gold mine for gossip, including any and all rehearsal fights, diva tantrums, who is sounding great, who is sounding awful, etc. But he doesn’t do that sort of thing.

]]> By: Fancuilla del West http://parterre.com/2009/03/26/the-art-of-the-euphemism/comment-page-13/#comment-57470 Fancuilla del West Sun, 29 Mar 2009 16:07:17 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=3211#comment-57470 LEARNING vs. KNOWING NEW ROLES Great discussion on the in's and out's of coming prepared to rehearsals. The greatest role model has not been mentioned, MC. If every principal singer in today's hurly-burly, jet-setting opera world had the foresight to follow in her footsteps in striving to be an ARTIST first instead of allowing opera management push and pull them; we might all be better off. The exceptional gift and ability to learn roles quickly has only been granted to person that we all love and admire, PD. (122 and still counting) LEARNING vs. KNOWING NEW ROLES
Great discussion on the in’s and out’s of coming prepared to rehearsals. The greatest role model has not been mentioned, MC. If every principal singer in today’s hurly-burly, jet-setting opera world had the foresight to follow in her footsteps in striving to be an ARTIST first instead of allowing opera management push and pull them; we might all be better off. The exceptional gift and ability to learn roles quickly has only been granted to person that we all love and admire, PD. (122 and still counting)

]]> By: Sanford http://parterre.com/2009/03/26/the-art-of-the-euphemism/comment-page-13/#comment-57452 Sanford Sun, 29 Mar 2009 14:43:11 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=3211#comment-57452 Kisses to Brian. I'm listening to the Margaret Price interview now and it's fascinating. I think she makes a good point about Wagnerian conductors and the problems singers have trying to sing over the wall of sound Kisses to Brian.

I’m listening to the Margaret Price interview now and it’s fascinating. I think she makes a good point about Wagnerian conductors and the problems singers have trying to sing over the wall of sound

]]> By: brian http://parterre.com/2009/03/26/the-art-of-the-euphemism/comment-page-13/#comment-57446 brian Sun, 29 Mar 2009 14:13:12 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=3211#comment-57446 la cieca: since you took the time to respond to my tongue in cheek post, i was wondering when you were going to respond to mrmyster's post: "Pres. Obama says he does not govern from anger. Brian were you aware of that? I recommend, with all due respect of course, that you dwell on that point and not post from anger/snark/pure bitchyness/ignorance/an excess of gay bile — or whatever your problem is. If you have new information or a constructive idea - then, say it! Otherwise, just shut up, be nice and vote Democratic. [And listen to your very wise president.] Thank you" or this one "Brian sure is one opiniated ignoramus" from something called nerva nelli. la cieca:

since you took the time to respond to my tongue in cheek post, i was wondering when you were going to respond to mrmyster’s post:

“Pres. Obama says he does not govern from anger. Brian were you aware of that? I recommend, with all due respect of course, that you dwell on that point and not post from anger/snark/pure bitchyness/ignorance/an excess of gay bile — or whatever your problem is. If you have new information or a constructive idea – then, say it! Otherwise, just shut up, be nice and vote Democratic. [And listen to your very wise president.]
Thank you” or this one “Brian sure is one opiniated ignoramus” from something called nerva nelli.

]]> By: brian http://parterre.com/2009/03/26/the-art-of-the-euphemism/comment-page-13/#comment-57444 brian Sun, 29 Mar 2009 14:06:26 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=3211#comment-57444 my impression is that some people who "spill" on this board (la cieca excepted and a few others) are trying to give the impression that they are more connected than they really are. i think 3-4 people have reported that they are brewer's best friend and every other post has been from someone who has sung with her. (hyperbole) one person who claims to know brewer is probably still insisting that christine is svelte. La Cieca: do you believe that the Met offered Polaski $35,000 per performance to jump in as Brunnhilde, as one "insider" reported. and, at most professions today, security is paramount. so indiscretion is strictly to be avoided. i know i angered people because i suggested that brewer did not have a full-fledged opera career. although, i certainly wasn't the only one who held that opinion (note spelling nerva). between mrmyster, wotan, visconti and nerva nelli i've been subjected to a heap of abuse. i've never referred to anyone on this board as an "ignoramus". i guess the homophobic tone of the Sonnambula chat should have alerted me to where this board was going. well, the last thing i want to do is to get into something with anyone (especially the moderator) on this board. remember, this is the place where people were making jokes about sanford being hiv+ and the word "queens" was flying all over the place yesterday. my impression is that some people who “spill” on this board (la cieca excepted and a few others) are trying to give the impression that they are more connected than they really are. i think 3-4 people have reported that they are brewer’s best friend
and every other post has been from someone who has sung with her. (hyperbole)
one person who claims to know brewer is probably still insisting that christine is svelte.

La Cieca: do you believe that the Met offered Polaski $35,000 per performance to jump in as Brunnhilde, as one “insider” reported.

and, at most professions today, security is paramount. so indiscretion is strictly to be avoided.

i know i angered people because i suggested that brewer did not have a full-fledged opera career. although, i certainly wasn’t the only one who held that opinion (note spelling nerva).

between mrmyster, wotan, visconti and nerva nelli i’ve been subjected to a heap of abuse. i’ve never referred to anyone on this board as an “ignoramus”. i guess the homophobic tone of the Sonnambula chat should have alerted me to where this board was going.

well, the last thing i want to do is to get into something with anyone (especially the moderator) on this board. remember, this is the place where people were making jokes about sanford being hiv+ and the word “queens” was flying all over the place yesterday.

]]> By: harry http://parterre.com/2009/03/26/the-art-of-the-euphemism/comment-page-13/#comment-57441 harry Sun, 29 Mar 2009 13:40:48 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=3211#comment-57441 Inquest O'Redger ,there was talk that at least one stage of Margaret Price's career she could throw a 'pretty' temper as well. I heard of at least one conductor - and it was not Solti- that let her carry on wildly. Then quietly threatened her if she did not stop he would make sure she would not have any further career. By the way, it is also noted Solti would not stand for 'shit' either, out of performers. Others that know more, may wish to contribute on the subject. Inquest O’Redger ,there was talk that at least one stage of Margaret Price’s career she could throw a ‘pretty’ temper as well. I heard of at least one conductor – and it was not Solti- that let her carry on wildly. Then quietly threatened her if she did not stop he would make sure she would not have any further career. By the way, it is also noted Solti would not stand for ‘shit’ either, out of performers. Others that know more, may wish to contribute on the subject.

]]> By: Inquest O'Redger http://parterre.com/2009/03/26/the-art-of-the-euphemism/comment-page-13/#comment-57439 Inquest O'Redger Sun, 29 Mar 2009 13:14:03 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=3211#comment-57439 By the way, talking of singers who know what they're going, there's an interesting interview with Margaret Price here http://www.classicaltv.com/videos/20 Strange that Solti didn't like her at the beginning of her career. Do you think it might have been because she didn't succumb to his attentions? She was a very pretty little thing in the early 60s... (Still pretty too -- just not so little!) By the way, talking of singers who know what they’re going, there’s an interesting interview with Margaret Price here
http://www.classicaltv.com/videos/20
Strange that Solti didn’t like her at the beginning of her career. Do you think it might have been because she didn’t succumb to his attentions? She was a very pretty little thing in the early 60s… (Still pretty too — just not so little!)

]]> By: Inquest O'Redger http://parterre.com/2009/03/26/the-art-of-the-euphemism/comment-page-13/#comment-57438 Inquest O'Redger Sun, 29 Mar 2009 13:09:01 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=3211#comment-57438 Brewer also stepped in some years ago in London to replace Mattila in the 4 Last Songs at the Barbican, and I felt quite the opposite of short-changed. There is an essential honesty and integrity about her singing that makes it very moving, with the expression coming out of the music and the text rather than through applique emoting and special effects. There is a core of calm to her art: in that respect she reminds me of two other fine American singers, Lorraine Hunt Lieberson and Arleen Auger. Brewer also stepped in some years ago in London to replace Mattila in the 4 Last Songs at the Barbican, and I felt quite the opposite of short-changed. There is an essential honesty and integrity about her singing that makes it very moving, with the expression coming out of the music and the text rather than through applique emoting and special effects. There is a core of calm to her art: in that respect she reminds me of two other fine American singers, Lorraine Hunt Lieberson and Arleen Auger.

]]> By: PushedUpMezzo http://parterre.com/2009/03/26/the-art-of-the-euphemism/comment-page-13/#comment-57432 PushedUpMezzo Sun, 29 Mar 2009 10:30:35 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=3211#comment-57432 Brewer Admirer Well done Think you may have also missed the First Night of the Proms last year when she stepped in at 2 days notice to replace Mattila in the 4 Last Songs (televised live and probably on YouTube). Among other opera credits (in concert) Rezia in Oberon and the Strauss version of Idomeneo The Ariadne at ENO was absolutely spellbinding. Wish her a speedy recovery. Brewer Admirer
Well done
Think you may have also missed the First Night of the Proms last year when she stepped in at 2 days notice to replace Mattila in the 4 Last Songs (televised live and probably on YouTube).
Among other opera credits (in concert) Rezia in Oberon and the Strauss version of Idomeneo
The Ariadne at ENO was absolutely spellbinding.
Wish her a speedy recovery.

]]> By: Alex Degracia http://parterre.com/2009/03/26/the-art-of-the-euphemism/comment-page-13/#comment-57420 Alex Degracia Sun, 29 Mar 2009 07:19:15 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=3211#comment-57420 Brewwer admirer....BRAVO!!!! Brewwer admirer….BRAVO!!!!

]]> By: Brewer Admirer http://parterre.com/2009/03/26/the-art-of-the-euphemism/comment-page-13/#comment-57415 Brewer Admirer Sun, 29 Mar 2009 06:51:09 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=3211#comment-57415 There has been quite a bit of speculation about Christine Brewer’s performing credits, or in some views, the lack of them. Here is a list of her concert and opera performance schedule (from the archives of her website) for the past 2 years. To the best of my knowledge the only dates on this list she canceled were the two Handel concerts on December 19 and 21, 2008. This cancellation was due to a family tragedy. All of these appearances were in major venues with world class orchestras/opera companies in the United States and Europe. You don’t have to like her or her talent, but one simply cannot deny that she has a major career on two continents. Some of you bitchy queens really need to take a LONG vacation. 08 March 2007 Alban Berg - Seven Early Songs 23 March 2007 Beethoven's Opera "Fidelio" 25 March 2007 Beethoven's Opera "Fidelio" 27 March 2007 Beethoven's Opera "Fidelio" 12 April 2007 Richard Wagner Tristan und Isolde (Tristan Project) Act I 13 April 2007 Richard Wagner Tristan und Isolde (Tristan Project) Act II 14 April 2007 Richard Wagner Tristan und Isolde (Tristan Project) Act III 18 April 2007 Richard Wagner Tristan und Isolde (Complete) 24 April 2007 Richard Wagner Tristan und Isolde (Complete) 02 May 2007 The Tristan Project 05 May 2007 The Tristan Project 11 May 2007 Britten - War Requiem 12 May 2007 Britten - War Requiem 13 May 2007 Britten - War Requiem 19 June 2007 Tribute Concert Honoring Colin Graham, O.B.E. 07 July 2007 Zemlinsky: Lyric Symphony, Op.18 11 July 2007 Zemlinsky: A Florentine Tragedy 20 July 2007 All-Beethoven Program, Tanglewood 21 July 2007 All-Beethoven Program (Open Rehearsal) Tanglewood 21 July 2007 All-Beethoven Program, Tanglewood 12 August 2007 Wagner Gotterdammerung (Brunnhilde) 17 August 2007 An Evening at the Opera 18 August 2007 An Evening at the Opera 28 August 2007 Bank of Scotland Queen's Hall Series Recital 01 September 2007 A Celebration of Francis Poulenc 16 November 2007 Die Frau ohne Schatten 20 November 2007 Die Frau ohne Schatten 26 November 2007 Die Frau ohne Schatten 30 November 2007 Die Frau ohne Schatten 04 December 2007 Die Frau ohne Schatten 08 December 2007 Die Frau ohne Schatten 12 December 2007 Die Frau ohne Schatten 16 December 2007 Die Frau ohne Schatten 20 December 2007 Die Frau ohne Schatten 21 January 2008 Die Frau ohne Schatten (Première) 24 January 2008 Die Frau ohne Schatten 28 January 2008 Die Frau ohne Schatten 31 January 2008 Die Frau ohne Schatten 03 February 2008 Die Frau ohne Schatten 07 February 2008 Die Frau ohne Schatten 10 February 2008 Die Frau ohne Schatten 14 February 2008 Wagner Concert 15 February 2008 Wagner Concert 24 February 2008 Richard Wagner - Wesendonck Lieder 25 February 2008 Richard Wagner - Wesendonck Lieder 26 February 2008 Richard Wagner - Wesendonck Lieder 14 March 2008 Richard Strauss - Vier Letzte Lieder 20 March 2008 Verdi - Requiem Mass 21 March 2008 Verdi - Requiem Mass 25 March 2008 Cellofest 2008 28 March 2008 BEETHOVEN Fidelio (in concert, no dialogue) 30 March 2008 BEETHOVEN Fidelio (in concert, no dialogue) 03 April 2008 BEETHOVEN Fidelio (in concert, no dialogue) 05 April 2008 BEETHOVEN Fidelio (in concert, no dialogue) 24 April 2008 Verdi Requiem 25 April 2008 Verdi Requiem 26 April 2008 Verdi Requiem 01 May 2008 Mahler Symphony No. 8 (Sop. 1) 02 May 2008 Mahler Symphony No. 8 (Sop. 1) 03 May 2008 Mahler Symphony No. 8 (Sop. 1) 06 May 2008 Mahler - Symphony No. 8 (Philadelphia Orchestra) 08 May 2008 HENRYK GORECKI: Symphony No. 3 09 May 2008 HENRYK GORECKI: Symphony No. 3 17 June 2008 Four Last Songs & Summer of 1915 18 June 2008 Four Last Songs & Summer of 1915 @ McKendree U. 04 July 2008 Community Concert - Patriotic Favorites 26 July 2008 Mahler's Symphony of a Thousand 09 September 2008 Mahler's 8th Symphony (Sop. I) 11 September 2008 Mahler's 8th Symphony (Sop. I) 03 October 2008 Beethoven Missa Solemnis 18 October 2008 WAGNER Götterdämmerung: Brünnhilde's Immolation 19 October 2008 WAGNER Götterdämmerung: Brünnhilde's Immolation 25 October 2008 Benjamin Britten, War Requiem 26 October 2008 Benjamin Britten, War Requiem 01 November 2008 BBC Symphony Orchestra TOUR - Wagner Wesendonck Lieder 02 November 2008 BBC Symphony Orchestra TOUR - Wagner Wesendonck Lieder 03 November 2008 BBC Symphony Orchestra TOUR - Wagner Wesendonck Lieder 04 November 2008 BBC Symphony Orchestra TOUR - Wagner Wesendonck Lieder 05 November 2008 BBC Symphony Orchestra TOUR - Wagner Wesendonck Lieder 06 November 2008 BBC Symphony Orchestra TOUR - Wagner Wesendonck Lieder 07 November 2008 BBC Symphony Orchestra TOUR - Wagner Wesendonck Lieder 09 November 2008 Britten War Requiem 28 November 2008 Strauss, Vier Letzte Lieder 29 November 2008 Strauss, Vier Letzte Lieder 30 November 2008 Strauss, Vier Letzte Lieder 07 December 2008 Poulenc, Gloria & Christmas Favorites 19 December 2008 Handel, “Die ihr aus dunkeln Gruften” 21 December 2008 Handel, “Die ihr aus dunkeln Gruften” 11 January 2009 Verdi Requiem 14 January 2009 Verdi Requiem 22 January 2009 Strauss, Vier Letzte Lieder 25 January 2009 Strauss, Vier Letzte Lieder 05 February 2009 Strauss Opera Excerpts from Die Frau, Elecktra, and Salome 07 February 2009 Strauss Opera Excerpts from Die Frau, Elecktra, and Salome 13 February 2009 Verdi's Requiem 14 February 2009 Verdi's Requiem There has been quite a bit of speculation about Christine Brewer’s performing credits, or in some views, the lack of them. Here is a list of her concert and opera performance schedule (from the archives of her website) for the past 2 years. To the best of my knowledge the only dates on this list she canceled were the two Handel concerts on December 19 and 21, 2008. This cancellation was due to a family tragedy. All of these appearances were in major venues with world class orchestras/opera companies in the United States and Europe. You don’t have to like her or her talent, but one simply cannot deny that she has a major career on two continents.

Some of you bitchy queens really need to take a LONG vacation.

08 March 2007
Alban Berg – Seven Early Songs
23 March 2007
Beethoven’s Opera “Fidelio”
25 March 2007
Beethoven’s Opera “Fidelio”
27 March 2007
Beethoven’s Opera “Fidelio”
12 April 2007
Richard Wagner Tristan und Isolde (Tristan Project) Act I
13 April 2007
Richard Wagner Tristan und Isolde (Tristan Project) Act II
14 April 2007
Richard Wagner Tristan und Isolde (Tristan Project) Act III
18 April 2007
Richard Wagner Tristan und Isolde (Complete)
24 April 2007
Richard Wagner Tristan und Isolde (Complete)
02 May 2007
The Tristan Project
05 May 2007
The Tristan Project
11 May 2007
Britten – War Requiem
12 May 2007
Britten – War Requiem
13 May 2007
Britten – War Requiem
19 June 2007
Tribute Concert Honoring Colin Graham, O.B.E.
07 July 2007
Zemlinsky: Lyric Symphony, Op.18
11 July 2007
Zemlinsky: A Florentine Tragedy
20 July 2007
All-Beethoven Program, Tanglewood
21 July 2007
All-Beethoven Program (Open Rehearsal) Tanglewood
21 July 2007
All-Beethoven Program, Tanglewood
12 August 2007
Wagner Gotterdammerung (Brunnhilde)
17 August 2007
An Evening at the Opera
18 August 2007
An Evening at the Opera
28 August 2007
Bank of Scotland Queen’s Hall Series Recital
01 September 2007
A Celebration of Francis Poulenc
16 November 2007
Die Frau ohne Schatten
20 November 2007
Die Frau ohne Schatten
26 November 2007
Die Frau ohne Schatten
30 November 2007
Die Frau ohne Schatten
04 December 2007
Die Frau ohne Schatten
08 December 2007
Die Frau ohne Schatten
12 December 2007
Die Frau ohne Schatten
16 December 2007
Die Frau ohne Schatten
20 December 2007
Die Frau ohne Schatten
21 January 2008
Die Frau ohne Schatten (Première)
24 January 2008
Die Frau ohne Schatten
28 January 2008
Die Frau ohne Schatten
31 January 2008
Die Frau ohne Schatten
03 February 2008
Die Frau ohne Schatten
07 February 2008
Die Frau ohne Schatten
10 February 2008
Die Frau ohne Schatten
14 February 2008
Wagner Concert
15 February 2008
Wagner Concert
24 February 2008
Richard Wagner – Wesendonck Lieder
25 February 2008
Richard Wagner – Wesendonck Lieder
26 February 2008
Richard Wagner – Wesendonck Lieder
14 March 2008
Richard Strauss – Vier Letzte Lieder
20 March 2008
Verdi – Requiem Mass
21 March 2008
Verdi – Requiem Mass
25 March 2008
Cellofest 2008
28 March 2008
BEETHOVEN Fidelio (in concert, no dialogue)
30 March 2008
BEETHOVEN Fidelio (in concert, no dialogue)
03 April 2008
BEETHOVEN Fidelio (in concert, no dialogue)
05 April 2008
BEETHOVEN Fidelio (in concert, no dialogue)
24 April 2008
Verdi Requiem
25 April 2008
Verdi Requiem
26 April 2008
Verdi Requiem
01 May 2008
Mahler Symphony No. 8 (Sop. 1)
02 May 2008
Mahler Symphony No. 8 (Sop. 1)
03 May 2008
Mahler Symphony No. 8 (Sop. 1)
06 May 2008
Mahler – Symphony No. 8 (Philadelphia Orchestra)
08 May 2008
HENRYK GORECKI: Symphony No. 3
09 May 2008
HENRYK GORECKI: Symphony No. 3
17 June 2008
Four Last Songs & Summer of 1915
18 June 2008
Four Last Songs & Summer of 1915 @ McKendree U.
04 July 2008
Community Concert – Patriotic Favorites
26 July 2008
Mahler’s Symphony of a Thousand
09 September 2008
Mahler’s 8th Symphony (Sop. I)
11 September 2008
Mahler’s 8th Symphony (Sop. I)
03 October 2008
Beethoven Missa Solemnis
18 October 2008
WAGNER Götterdämmerung: Brünnhilde’s Immolation
19 October 2008
WAGNER Götterdämmerung: Brünnhilde’s Immolation
25 October 2008
Benjamin Britten, War Requiem
26 October 2008
Benjamin Britten, War Requiem
01 November 2008
BBC Symphony Orchestra TOUR – Wagner Wesendonck Lieder
02 November 2008
BBC Symphony Orchestra TOUR – Wagner Wesendonck Lieder
03 November 2008
BBC Symphony Orchestra TOUR – Wagner Wesendonck Lieder
04 November 2008
BBC Symphony Orchestra TOUR – Wagner Wesendonck Lieder
05 November 2008
BBC Symphony Orchestra TOUR – Wagner Wesendonck Lieder
06 November 2008
BBC Symphony Orchestra TOUR – Wagner Wesendonck Lieder
07 November 2008
BBC Symphony Orchestra TOUR – Wagner Wesendonck Lieder
09 November 2008
Britten War Requiem
28 November 2008
Strauss, Vier Letzte Lieder
29 November 2008
Strauss, Vier Letzte Lieder
30 November 2008
Strauss, Vier Letzte Lieder
07 December 2008
Poulenc, Gloria & Christmas Favorites
19 December 2008
Handel, “Die ihr aus dunkeln Gruften”
21 December 2008
Handel, “Die ihr aus dunkeln Gruften”
11 January 2009
Verdi Requiem
14 January 2009
Verdi Requiem
22 January 2009
Strauss, Vier Letzte Lieder
25 January 2009
Strauss, Vier Letzte Lieder
05 February 2009
Strauss Opera Excerpts from Die Frau, Elecktra, and Salome
07 February 2009
Strauss Opera Excerpts from Die Frau, Elecktra, and Salome
13 February 2009
Verdi’s Requiem
14 February 2009
Verdi’s Requiem

]]> By: wotan_in_inman http://parterre.com/2009/03/26/the-art-of-the-euphemism/comment-page-12/#comment-57406 wotan_in_inman Sun, 29 Mar 2009 05:16:00 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=3211#comment-57406 117, 119 et al. Of the performance I agree 100%; the audience is most integral. Of the production? Well, that's like saying the grandparents have to observe the actual insemination before they can truly enjoy the grandbaby. 117, 119 et al.

Of the performance I agree 100%; the audience is most integral. Of the production? Well, that’s like saying the grandparents have to observe the actual insemination before they can truly enjoy the grandbaby.

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