parterre box

50 comments

• brooklynpunk says:

  I totally agree, operadent…..

  on October 14, 2009 at 9:02 PM
• rommie says:

  so proud of Diana!!! Saw the preview video from SFOpera and must say she attacks the music MUCH CLEANER than Mlle. Dessay.

  Can;t wait til she essays the role here in New York!

  on October 14, 2009 at 9:46 PM
• La Cieca says:

  richard, I would disagree with you about the tenor role in Barbiere; in fact it is the star role of the opera and for that matter the title role as it was originally presented.

  Your point about limited repertoire for Florez is well taken. I think, though, that since he is a big star he can perform lesser-known operas (ones suitable for his voice, I mean) and will draw the public.

  on October 14, 2009 at 9:52 PM
• CruzSF says:

  brooklynpunk & operadent: I’m having the opposite reaction to Gaviola on the broadcast tonight. Her voice is much lighter in color and weight than every other Tosca I’ve heard (live and on CD), so it sounds insubstantial to me. Just my 2 cents. I’m just used to heavier, darker voices in this role.

  on October 14, 2009 at 10:08 PM
• Reggiani says:

  Gavrilova was impressive until the end of Vissi d’arte. The Bb was short, about the same as Matilla’s, and then she started struggling. All the tension escaped, and there was little enthusiasm in the applause. It’s so frustrating when Tosca’s critical moment falls below the rest of her performance.

  on October 14, 2009 at 10:24 PM
• Lindoro Almaviva says:

  I think we are being short sighted when it comes to JDF’s rep. Whit it is true that his repertoire is limited right now, there are options as his voice matures. He is not yet 40 and being incredibly careful about the roles he sings; I would suggest that he is as careful (shrude?) is managing his roles and career as Alfredo Kraus was in his time.

  I would be very interested to see what he is doing in 5-10 years.

  on October 14, 2009 at 10:31 PM
• brooklynpunk says:

  CruzSF:

  I’m finding her VERY uneven..but she seems to have the dramatic theatricality in her voice, fairly well…

  Alvarez is VERY good, tonight..as was the Scarpia..and the band is playing quite well

  on October 14, 2009 at 10:43 PM
• squirrel says:

  this act three sounds fuzzy so far; nice boy soprano, lousy orchestra (colaneri’s fault, duh)

  on October 14, 2009 at 10:50 PM
• CruzSF says:

  I would agree with the band performing well tonight. Subtle colors are highlighted without getting in the way of the main lines.

  on October 14, 2009 at 10:52 PM
• CruzSF says:

  LOL. I love it. squirrel’s and my comments made at almost the same time, making exactly opposite statements. Different ears ….

  on October 14, 2009 at 10:56 PM