the end
La Cieca really, really doesn’t like to say this, but the truth seems to be staring us in the face, so here goes. We have seen the last of Rolando Villazón at the Met. Even though he’s announced as having canceled only the first two performances of Elisir, it’s pretty clear that he’s just not able or willing (or both?) to get his voice and confidence into solid enough shape to appear in New York.
Nemorino is (as tenor roles go) not a particularly difficult sing, and it’s a role that’s always been central to his repertoire. But now it appears Villazón can’t sing even Nemorino up to Met standards, which means he basically can’t sing anything.
As a friend of La Cieca said on the phone a few minutes ago, “It never happens to the ones you want it to happen to,” and, sadly, that’s the case here.
Sutherland even sung an Eva in Meistersingers under Kubelik.
Ariel: If you interpreted my mention of “dramatic soprano” as chewing the scenery, then you don’t really know what you’re talking about — which is fine, except that your posts are so damned opinionated. You criticise the Met’s casting choices left and right and then you suggest that they should have tried to get Pieczonka (who neither knows the role nor should be singing it) to replace Brewer. Enough said.
kashania -you are right -she probably does not know
the role -it just that she sings and one can only hope
to hear the role “sung” and not screamed out as we hear
to-day , I have heard Ms. Brewer , and for me once is enough
for a full life time .O f course I am damned opinionated since 1946 in New york
Vienna , Berlin London, Madrid and even Toronto the good I have heard them all from one orchestra seat or another.
I have heard Brunnhilde sung ,yowled,and screamed . When
Wagner is “sung ” it is something indeed .Lately
all I hear is men barking at each otherand bosom heaving sopranos shrieking for all they are worth . That is not to
say that there are not good singers out there that can match any age.But just now going to the met can be quite disheartening for when youfork out acouple hundred bucks
for a ticket you wouldn’t mind getting back at least 25 for
the singing .
Could it be that some of those who sang Rolando’s praises a few years ago, have now turned their thumbs in a Southernly direction? How fickle and cruel. Best wishes Rolando.
Herr Villazon sang every performance like it was his last. He gave all that he had to the audience and we are greatful. We are lucky to have all the wonderful memories.