Comments on: park performance http://parterre.com/2009/07/15/park-performance/ where opera is king and you, the readers, are queens Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:58:15 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: tytonius http://parterre.com/2009/07/15/park-performance/comment-page-2/#comment-69717 tytonius Thu, 16 Jul 2009 13:53:07 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=4445#comment-69717 Vinginblogger, I am a singer too and I wonder how the other singers would sound after 8 shows a week. I believe most opera singers have NO idea what's like to perform every day -or two shows -same day?? Besides, Paolo's mic was screwed at the beginning. They replaced it after Belcore's aria. The guy is a hero for me- oh! And a TONY winner....Always a pleasure for ears and eyes. AND in musical theater it's beautiful and expressive to take a breath before the last note. Now you know.... bacioni, Tytus Vinginblogger,
I am a singer too and I wonder how the other singers would sound after 8 shows a week.

I believe most opera singers have NO idea
what’s like to perform every day -or two shows -same day??
Besides, Paolo’s mic was screwed at the beginning. They
replaced it after Belcore’s aria.

The guy is a hero for me- oh! And a TONY winner….Always a pleasure for ears and eyes.
AND in musical theater it’s beautiful and expressive to take a breath before the last note. Now you know….
bacioni,
Tytus

]]> By: virginblogger http://parterre.com/2009/07/15/park-performance/comment-page-2/#comment-69699 virginblogger Thu, 16 Jul 2009 04:30:16 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=4445#comment-69699 I haven't seen him in an operatic performance, but I spent 24 hours in NY in March to catch a matinee of "South Pacific." I went in absolutely skeptical about what I was about to see, particularly after having heard the recording, on which his singing isn't impressive. I tell you, I had to wait for the rest of the audience to leave to compose myself after his performance - the singing was exactly what I would have hoped for; he was so natural and compelling on the stage, I couldn't look elsewhere when he was present; he's beautiful, which doesn't hurt. Based on that performance, I would certainly give him the benefit of the doubt, and buy a ticket to one of his operatic performances, even Shostakovich... I haven’t seen him in an operatic performance, but I spent 24 hours in NY in March to catch a matinee of “South Pacific.” I went in absolutely skeptical about what I was about to see, particularly after having heard the recording, on which his singing isn’t impressive. I tell you, I had to wait for the rest of the audience to leave to compose myself after his performance – the singing was exactly what I would have hoped for; he was so natural and compelling on the stage, I couldn’t look elsewhere when he was present; he’s beautiful, which doesn’t hurt. Based on that performance, I would certainly give him the benefit of the doubt, and buy a ticket to one of his operatic performances, even Shostakovich…

]]> By: Cassandra http://parterre.com/2009/07/15/park-performance/comment-page-2/#comment-69698 Cassandra Thu, 16 Jul 2009 04:10:47 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=4445#comment-69698 Stokes Mitchell is more than a little bitter that he wasn't ever really considered for South Pacific. Stokes Mitchell is more than a little bitter that he wasn’t ever really considered for South Pacific.

]]> By: RDaggle http://parterre.com/2009/07/15/park-performance/comment-page-2/#comment-69695 RDaggle Thu, 16 Jul 2009 03:36:15 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=4445#comment-69695 It's been about 7 years since Brian Stokes Mitchell appeared in La Mancha -- or any other B'way run. It played 9 months and was considered a flop I think. He may know something we don't. I admit to forgetting about the return of 'Night Music'. Casting Paolo Szot as Frederik would be crazy. But at least it's the kind of crazy I'd love to hear. It’s been about 7 years since Brian Stokes Mitchell appeared in La Mancha — or any other B’way run. It played 9 months and was considered a flop I think. He may know something we don’t.

I admit to forgetting about the return of ‘Night Music’.

Casting Paolo Szot as Frederik would be crazy. But at least it’s the kind of crazy I’d love to hear.

]]> By: Sanford http://parterre.com/2009/07/15/park-performance/comment-page-2/#comment-69679 Sanford Thu, 16 Jul 2009 00:13:31 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=4445#comment-69679 There's also a version by, of all people, Lorraine Hunt Lieberson. I only know her from Baroque and from what her husband wrote for her. There’s also a version by, of all people, Lorraine Hunt Lieberson. I only know her from Baroque and from what her husband wrote for her.

]]> By: Sanford http://parterre.com/2009/07/15/park-performance/comment-page-2/#comment-69678 Sanford Thu, 16 Jul 2009 00:09:24 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=4445#comment-69678 We have no way of knowing when it's over until *after* the fact, because just about the time when people say it's over, someone revives something like South Pacific, Kiss Me Kate, or A Little Night Music (coming next season as well). He will, however, have to fight off Brian Stokes Mitchell. Paulo would have been wonderful in Man Of La Mancha, at least vocally. We have no way of knowing when it’s over until *after* the fact, because just about the time when people say it’s over, someone revives something like South Pacific, Kiss Me Kate, or A Little Night Music (coming next season as well). He will, however, have to fight off Brian Stokes Mitchell. Paulo would have been wonderful in Man Of La Mancha, at least vocally.

]]> By: RDaggle http://parterre.com/2009/07/15/park-performance/comment-page-2/#comment-69669 RDaggle Wed, 15 Jul 2009 21:42:34 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=4445#comment-69669 @9 <i>"Wow, Tomasini took 11 paragraphs before he finally addressed the performances."</i> So? He had some other issues he wanted to talk about -- namely, will the Met replace live park concerts with video replays. I'd think that concern would get a lot of sympathy around here. Also, to all those folks who think Szot can look forward to a career on Broadway -- what Broadway is that? 'In the Heights'? 'Next To Normal'? 'Wicked'? Next season's big "classic" musical revival looks to be 'Bye Bye Birdie'. I think the time when a legitimate-type singing voice is welcome on Broadway is pretty much over. @9
“Wow, Tomasini took 11 paragraphs before he finally addressed the performances.”

So? He had some other issues he wanted to talk about — namely, will the Met replace live park concerts with video replays. I’d think that concern would get a lot of sympathy around here.

Also, to all those folks who think Szot can look forward to a career on Broadway — what Broadway is that? ‘In the Heights’? ‘Next To Normal’? ‘Wicked’?

Next season’s big “classic” musical revival looks to be ‘Bye Bye Birdie’.

I think the time when a legitimate-type singing voice is welcome on Broadway is pretty much over.

]]> By: quoth the maven http://parterre.com/2009/07/15/park-performance/comment-page-2/#comment-69663 quoth the maven Wed, 15 Jul 2009 20:09:04 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=4445#comment-69663 Sanford--In all fairness, Pinza takes the same breath. Of course, the floated E that follows more than makes up for it. Sanford–In all fairness, Pinza takes the same breath. Of course, the floated E that follows more than makes up for it.

]]> By: Gualtier M http://parterre.com/2009/07/15/park-performance/comment-page-1/#comment-69658 Gualtier M Wed, 15 Jul 2009 19:40:45 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=4445#comment-69658 Oropesa's encore was the zarzuela number "De Espana Vengo" from "El Nino Judio". There are fabulous recordings of this number by Berganza, Caballé and De los Angeles. Isn't "The Nose" something of an ensemble piece with no standout vocal roles? Not familiar with it so I need some confirmation. Szot has charm and really could make a dent in the semi-classical song area and French chanson and South American song areas. I think he should gravitate towards a concert and recording career singing a wide variety of traditional song, Broadway, standards and international music. He really could score big. Should try dramatic acting too - I saw him in "South Pacific" and found him totally believable but a little reserved and inhibited. Oropesa’s encore was the zarzuela number “De Espana Vengo” from “El Nino Judio”. There are fabulous recordings of this number by Berganza, Caballé and De los Angeles.

Isn’t “The Nose” something of an ensemble piece with no standout vocal roles? Not familiar with it so I need some confirmation. Szot has charm and really could make a dent in the semi-classical song area and French chanson and South American song areas. I think he should gravitate towards a concert and recording career singing a wide variety of traditional song, Broadway, standards and international music. He really could score big. Should try dramatic acting too – I saw him in “South Pacific” and found him totally believable but a little reserved and inhibited.

]]> By: kashania http://parterre.com/2009/07/15/park-performance/comment-page-1/#comment-69656 kashania Wed, 15 Jul 2009 19:22:47 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=4445#comment-69656 Wow, Tomasini took 11 paragraphs before he finally addressed the performances. Is it just me or does a piano recital seem wrong, wrong, wrong but a park setting? Wow, Tomasini took 11 paragraphs before he finally addressed the performances.

Is it just me or does a piano recital seem wrong, wrong, wrong but a park setting?

]]> By: kashania http://parterre.com/2009/07/15/park-performance/comment-page-1/#comment-69655 kashania Wed, 15 Jul 2009 19:15:55 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=4445#comment-69655 Paolo Szot sang Escamillo in Toronto a few years ago. He was good but nothing special. He has a legit operatic baritone but not for the big leagues, which makes his move to Broadway a smart one. Paolo Szot sang Escamillo in Toronto a few years ago. He was good but nothing special. He has a legit operatic baritone but not for the big leagues, which makes his move to Broadway a smart one.

]]> By: Sanford http://parterre.com/2009/07/15/park-performance/comment-page-1/#comment-69652 Sanford Wed, 15 Jul 2009 18:16:57 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=4445#comment-69652 Oh, and I have to say that while Some Enchanted Evening may be Mr Szot's claim to fame, he ruined the last line for me by taking a breath in the middle of it... "never let her (breath) go". Oh, and I have to say that while Some Enchanted Evening may be Mr Szot’s claim to fame, he ruined the last line for me by taking a breath in the middle of it… “never let her (breath) go”.

]]> By: Sanford http://parterre.com/2009/07/15/park-performance/comment-page-1/#comment-69651 Sanford Wed, 15 Jul 2009 18:10:47 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=4445#comment-69651 The sound system was EXCEEDINGLY annoying. We we're only about 2 rows from the stage and I thought my ears were going to be bleed, it was so loud. I think it remains to be seen how Ms. Oropesa will develop. The Ach Ich Liebte and Caro Nome were both wonderful, as was her encore (Can anyone tell me what the name of her encore was?) The sound system was EXCEEDINGLY annoying. We we’re only about 2 rows from the stage and I thought my ears were going to be bleed, it was so loud.

I think it remains to be seen how Ms. Oropesa will develop. The Ach Ich Liebte and Caro Nome were both wonderful, as was her encore (Can anyone tell me what the name of her encore was?)

]]> By: operablogger http://parterre.com/2009/07/15/park-performance/comment-page-1/#comment-69650 operablogger Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:21:54 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=4445#comment-69650 Alek Shrader was the winner a couple of years ago in the Met's Rocky Mountain Regionals (he was also subsequently featured in the Met's film "The Audition"), and his performance in Denver was head and shoulders above anyone else in the contest. I'm not surprised to see that his career continues apace. Alek Shrader was the winner a couple of years ago in the Met’s Rocky Mountain Regionals (he was also subsequently featured in the Met’s film “The Audition”), and his performance in Denver was head and shoulders above anyone else in the contest. I’m not surprised to see that his career continues apace.

]]> By: Cassandra http://parterre.com/2009/07/15/park-performance/comment-page-1/#comment-69648 Cassandra Wed, 15 Jul 2009 16:35:55 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=4445#comment-69648 Paulo made a very smart choice by moving to Broadway. He will be able to do whatever he wants there for the rest of his career. He is by no stretch of the imagination a Met singer, or at any other major house. The Met is riding his current PR heat, they may be able to squeeze a Giovanni out of him (doubtful) or even an Escamillo (more doubtful), but the Nose is not a difficult vocal or operatic piece. He won't be singing standard rep there. He was a solid City Opera singer when I heard him, and that's what he'll remain. His "stage presence" is overrated. He'll be swallowed by the Met stage. He made a nice impression in a Broadway piece that required little acting and little singing in a small in the round theater. He may have been the PR star of the evening, but everyone is well aware he has limited gifts for the operatic stage. Paulo made a very smart choice by moving to Broadway. He will be able to do whatever he wants there for the rest of his career. He is by no stretch of the imagination a Met singer, or at any other major house. The Met is riding his current PR heat, they may be able to squeeze a Giovanni out of him (doubtful) or even an Escamillo (more doubtful), but the Nose is not a difficult vocal or operatic piece. He won’t be singing standard rep there.

He was a solid City Opera singer when I heard him, and that’s what he’ll remain. His “stage presence” is overrated. He’ll be swallowed by the Met stage. He made a nice impression in a Broadway piece that required little acting and little singing in a small in the round theater.

He may have been the PR star of the evening, but everyone is well aware he has limited gifts for the operatic stage.

]]> By: calaf47 http://parterre.com/2009/07/15/park-performance/comment-page-1/#comment-69647 calaf47 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 16:31:54 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=4445#comment-69647 Saw Ms. Oropesa as Lucia in NJ Opera last Friday night. Too light a voice to sing that rep. She managed all the high notes ...skipping only the first high Eb in the Mad Scene. Can't imagine her singing Constanza...maybe Blondchen. It's a real soubrette soprano (like Judith Blegen): Gretel/Adina/Despina. Saw Ms. Oropesa as Lucia in NJ Opera last Friday night. Too light a voice to sing that rep. She managed all the high notes …skipping only the first high Eb in the Mad Scene. Can’t imagine her singing Constanza…maybe Blondchen. It’s a real soubrette soprano (like Judith Blegen): Gretel/Adina/Despina.

]]> By: suzyQ http://parterre.com/2009/07/15/park-performance/comment-page-1/#comment-69646 suzyQ Wed, 15 Jul 2009 16:13:53 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=4445#comment-69646 Paulo Szot sure is still HOT and his fans were swooning on the bleachers! I really want to see/hear Mr. Shrader at the Met and thought he and Ms. Oropesa were fabulous. Thanks JJ, La Cieca and Sir Sanford for your reviews! p.s. The sound system was annoying! Paulo Szot sure is still HOT and his fans were swooning on the bleachers! I really want to see/hear Mr. Shrader at the Met and thought he and Ms. Oropesa were fabulous. Thanks JJ, La Cieca and Sir Sanford for your reviews!
p.s. The sound system was annoying!

]]> By: mrmyster http://parterre.com/2009/07/15/park-performance/comment-page-1/#comment-69645 mrmyster Wed, 15 Jul 2009 16:03:13 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=4445#comment-69645 Let's see, if memory serves Mr Shrader is singing Albert Herring in Santa Fe, 2010. Not much vocal challenge for him there, but as a singing actor he will have to be very adept. That role takes some 'doing.' Let’s see, if memory serves Mr Shrader is singing Albert Herring in Santa Fe, 2010. Not much vocal challenge for him there, but as a singing actor he will have to be very adept. That role takes some ‘doing.’

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