La Cieca figures if Adelaida Negri can make a comeback, so can your doyenne. Read more »
History repeating, indeed — and rather recent history at that!
Following the jump, snippets of all the tracks on the new “Verismo” album, as performed by America’s Soprano. Read more »
La Cieca’s curiosity is always aroused when a journalist probes with really penetrating questions. For example, how long is too long? Is bigger always better? And which is more satisfying: cut or uncut? That’s the thrust of Tony Tommasini‘s hard-hitting column in today’s NYT. Now, if you’re ejaculating, “This thing looks familiar,” well, that’s about the size of it, because it’s a retooled version of a 2000 piece: Later in the act, Walther sees Eva and, overcome, sings his song for her straight through. This somewhat spoils the effect of the song in the third act, where it should come upon Eva, [...]
Now, La Cieca believes in turning a gimlet eye on everyone and everything, you know that. But even your doyenne finds this latest Zinta Lundborg screed, well, harsh is the only word. … the company’s funereal new logo is a black circle, which evokes thoughts of the deficit or even oblivion. Presenting four performances of “Esther,” starting on Nov. 7, won’t help matters. A loud work by Hugo Weisgall about the Biblical queen, “Esther” was heard at City Opera in 1993, winning over few fans …. In the 1950s and 1960s, European immigrants with intellectual tastes supported the company. They [...]
Preseason puffery has commenced for the Met’s 2009 opening night production of Tosca, to star that noted brunette Karita Mattila. A release from the company’s press office today details the various ancillary events associated with the September 21 performance, including the first “Open House” of the season (i.e., the final dress rehearsal on September 17 at 11 a.m.), HD video relays in Lincoln Center Plaza and Times Square, broadcasts on Sirius and XM satellite radio and web radio streaming via metopera.org. Devotees of New York City street art will be delighted to hear that the Met intends to “blanket buses and [...]
La Cieca wishes her cher public a joyous and safe St. Bartholomew’s Day.
“Opera singer” Katherine Jenkins has been insured against getting swine flu. [Wales Online]
La Cieca is delighted to learn that “the New York City Opera and the American Guild of Musical Artists, AFL-CIO, have reached agreement on a new collective bargaining contract, helping to ensure City Opera’s continuing place in the forefront of American opera,” according to a press release from the NYCO. Since Alan Gordon and George Steel so ably brought to fruition what at one point seemed a hopeless project, La Cieca suggests that now they lend their persuasive talents to the cause of health care reform.
Of course, there were also setbacks along the road to success. During a performance of “La Traviata” in Genoa conducted by Bonynge, the audience roundly booed tenor Lamberto Furlan to the point that the conductor and his wife, who had personally picked Furlan for the role, left the stage and refused to complete the performance. Hear Mr. Furlan after the jump.
Cher Public