Comments on: She’s no longer a gypsy, part deux http://parterre.com/2010/02/05/shes-no-longer-a-gypsy-part-deux/ where opera is king and you, the readers, are queens Sun, 27 May 2012 12:18:27 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: mrmyster http://parterre.com/2010/02/05/shes-no-longer-a-gypsy-part-deux/comment-page-5/#comment-118979 mrmyster Fri, 12 Feb 2010 01:40:34 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=12441#comment-118979 Pierre, it was Alain Altinoglu - about whom I know zero. He did a few nice things, esp. in the purely orchestral moments, but over all I wonder if he is really a theatre conductor. Shape and drama, architecture and tension -- to use the jingoistic words, were not much in evidence. Pierre, it was Alain Altinoglu – about whom I know zero.
He did a few nice things, esp. in the purely orchestral moments,
but over all I wonder if he is really a theatre conductor. Shape
and drama, architecture and tension — to use the jingoistic
words, were not much in evidence.

]]> By: Liana http://parterre.com/2010/02/05/shes-no-longer-a-gypsy-part-deux/comment-page-5/#comment-118974 Liana Fri, 12 Feb 2010 00:21:50 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=12441#comment-118974 Altinoglu, I think. After the comments above, I think like I should apologize that i liked it. Or blame it on the very late hour ;-) Altinoglu, I think. After the comments above, I think like I should apologize that i liked it. Or blame it on the very late hour ;-)

]]> By: Lucky Pierre http://parterre.com/2010/02/05/shes-no-longer-a-gypsy-part-deux/comment-page-5/#comment-118955 Lucky Pierre Thu, 11 Feb 2010 23:22:42 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=12441#comment-118955 who was the conductor? when i saw it two weeks ago, with altinoglu, vizin, jovanovich, frittoli and kwiecien; the cast, chorus and conducting were all pretty good (with the caveat of mariusz being too underpowered in my opinion). who was the conductor? when i saw it two weeks ago, with altinoglu, vizin, jovanovich, frittoli and kwiecien; the cast, chorus and conducting were all pretty good (with the caveat of mariusz being too underpowered in my opinion).

]]> By: Jack Jikes http://parterre.com/2010/02/05/shes-no-longer-a-gypsy-part-deux/comment-page-3/#comment-118682 Jack Jikes Wed, 10 Feb 2010 13:54:56 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=12441#comment-118682 Divas should NEVER lick their lips! The presentation is not introverted enough. In the Callas Paris-debut video, Maria seems to be in an interior monologue. All that notwithstanding, I rather liked Angela. Divas should NEVER lick their lips! The presentation is not introverted enough.
In the Callas Paris-debut video, Maria seems to be in an interior monologue.
All that notwithstanding, I rather liked Angela.

]]> By: Verdilover http://parterre.com/2010/02/05/shes-no-longer-a-gypsy-part-deux/comment-page-5/#comment-118668 Verdilover Wed, 10 Feb 2010 05:03:25 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=12441#comment-118668 Borodina deserved a better cast and definitelly a better conductor who seems unable to keep the orchestra and chorus together even in an opera they know extremely well. The tenor sounds like he should be singing roles such as Aegist and Herod in provincial houses in Germany, in fact he seems to have ALL the problems the old McCraken had and absolutely none of the virtues (including the powerfull ringing voice). The baritone was already getting hoarse during the Toreador Song, or perhaps he calls himself a bass, not sure, but terrible anyways. Micaela did not offend, which in this cast is already a very good thing. Frasquita yelled, but at least some voice came out, Mercedez is below criticism. Oh, the guy singing Zuniga did well for Zuniga. Wonder how he would fair in bigger parts (probably not as well...) BTW: Low point for me was the children's chorus. These kids need to eat some oat-meal or something before singing or is everyone being trained to sound like an unmiked Charlotte Church? Borodina deserved a better cast and definitelly a better conductor who seems unable to keep the orchestra and chorus together even in an opera they know extremely well.

The tenor sounds like he should be singing roles such as Aegist and Herod in provincial houses in Germany, in fact he seems to have ALL the problems the old McCraken had and absolutely none of the virtues (including the powerfull ringing voice). The baritone was already getting hoarse during the Toreador Song, or perhaps he calls himself a bass, not sure, but terrible anyways. Micaela did not offend, which in this cast is already a very good thing. Frasquita yelled, but at least some voice came out, Mercedez is below criticism.

Oh, the guy singing Zuniga did well for Zuniga. Wonder how he would fair in bigger parts (probably not as well…)

BTW: Low point for me was the children’s chorus. These kids need to eat some oat-meal or something before singing or is everyone being trained to sound like an unmiked Charlotte Church?

]]> By: mrmyster http://parterre.com/2010/02/05/shes-no-longer-a-gypsy-part-deux/comment-page-5/#comment-118666 mrmyster Wed, 10 Feb 2010 04:40:26 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=12441#comment-118666 Better than....? Miss Black? To my ear, about the same level. Than Frittoli? No way. Frittoli had no business singing in this New York production, but she's a distinguished singer and she has had an accomplished career. Better than….? Miss Black? To my ear, about the same
level.
Than Frittoli? No way. Frittoli had no business singing in this
New York production, but she’s a distinguished singer and she
has had an accomplished career.

]]> By: mrmyster http://parterre.com/2010/02/05/shes-no-longer-a-gypsy-part-deux/comment-page-5/#comment-118665 mrmyster Wed, 10 Feb 2010 04:37:04 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=12441#comment-118665 Ah...so. I heard Acts III and IV. In the earlier run the conducting seemed better; tonite the conductor would let singers take over the arias and slow down the pace and the shape -- and it just lacked excitement. For me there was Boradina -- and then everyone else. She remains an elegant singer, beautiful tone, beautiful attacks, nice phrasing, sometimes a bit of drag and she must have tried the conductor -- but she was consistent; she has been a great singer, and you surely could hear it tonight against all those younger amateurish singers. Miss K. was tremulous and fluttery as Micaela - about at the Jennifer Black level -- and the voice so monochromatic; TTRhodes is really not a good singer -- the voice has no edge, it is rough and inconsistent; I don't know what to make of Jovanivich -- sometimes it was good, often he sound pushed and strained, with ragged releases. The voice does not sound well lined up, and sometimes it seemed unsupported. Once again, there seemed to be too much vibrato. As a very wise and famous old (late) voice teacher pointed out to me, and I paraphrase: You hear a great many young singers today with far too much vibrato, instability in the tone -- that is because they have not sufficiently consolidated the voice and built support before taking on big roles. And....I would say that just about sums up what we heard tonite, save for Olga from the Volga and she remains a mistress of her art, even in later maturity :) I am so pleased to have heard her again! G'nite. Ah…so. I heard Acts III and IV. In the earlier run the conducting seemed better; tonite the conductor would let singers take over the arias and slow down the pace and the shape — and it just lacked excitement. For me there was Boradina — and then everyone else. She remains an elegant singer, beautiful tone, beautiful attacks, nice phrasing, sometimes a bit of drag and she must have tried the conductor — but she was consistent; she has been a great singer, and you surely could hear it tonight against all those younger amateurish singers. Miss K. was tremulous and fluttery as Micaela – about at the Jennifer Black level — and the voice so monochromatic; TTRhodes is really not a good singer — the voice has no edge, it is rough and inconsistent; I don’t know what to make of Jovanivich — sometimes it was good, often he sound pushed and strained, with ragged releases. The voice does not sound well lined up, and sometimes it seemed unsupported. Once again, there seemed to be too much vibrato. As a very wise and famous old (late) voice teacher pointed out to me, and I paraphrase: You hear a great many young singers today with far too much vibrato, instability in the tone — that is because they have not sufficiently consolidated the voice and built support before taking on big roles. And….I would say that just about sums up what we heard tonite, save for Olga from the Volga and she remains a mistress of her art, even in later maturity :) I am so pleased to have heard her again! G’nite.

]]> By: La Cieca http://parterre.com/2010/02/05/shes-no-longer-a-gypsy-part-deux/comment-page-5/#comment-118664 La Cieca Wed, 10 Feb 2010 04:00:04 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=12441#comment-118664 Indeed, no surprise, since Borodina dances and Garanca does not. Foolproof way of not getting out of breath in a dance sequence, that. Indeed, no surprise, since Borodina dances and Garanca does not. Foolproof way of not getting out of breath in a dance sequence, that.

]]> By: Liana http://parterre.com/2010/02/05/shes-no-longer-a-gypsy-part-deux/comment-page-5/#comment-118663 Liana Wed, 10 Feb 2010 03:44:39 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=12441#comment-118663 No wonder :). I really admired Garanca for not sounding out of breath then. No wonder :) . I really admired Garanca for not sounding out of breath then.

]]> By: suzyQ http://parterre.com/2010/02/05/shes-no-longer-a-gypsy-part-deux/comment-page-5/#comment-118661 suzyQ Wed, 10 Feb 2010 03:35:10 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=12441#comment-118661 I saw Carmen in the house with Frittoli and although I enjoyed her performance, Kovalevska sounds wonderful and more youthful. Borodina is very good tonight - but she sounded out of breath during the dance sequence. I saw Carmen in the house with Frittoli and although I enjoyed her performance, Kovalevska sounds wonderful and more youthful. Borodina is very good tonight – but she sounded out of breath during the dance sequence.

]]> By: Liana http://parterre.com/2010/02/05/shes-no-longer-a-gypsy-part-deux/comment-page-5/#comment-118659 Liana Wed, 10 Feb 2010 03:24:10 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=12441#comment-118659 Kovalevska.And she is better. Kovalevska.And she is better.

]]> By: mrmyster http://parterre.com/2010/02/05/shes-no-longer-a-gypsy-part-deux/comment-page-5/#comment-118658 mrmyster Wed, 10 Feb 2010 03:20:57 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=12441#comment-118658 Who is tonight's Micaela? Jennifer Black? Better than Frittoli - you cannot be serious. The Italian soprano is a distinguished international singer, now older and a bit frowsy. She should not have been cast as Micaela in this production. BUT Miss Black would be second rate in the NYCO production of anything. Forget it. Who is tonight’s Micaela? Jennifer Black? Better than
Frittoli – you cannot be serious.
The Italian soprano is a distinguished international singer,
now older and a bit frowsy. She should not have been
cast as Micaela in this production. BUT Miss Black would
be second rate in the NYCO production of anything.
Forget it.

]]> By: Liana http://parterre.com/2010/02/05/shes-no-longer-a-gypsy-part-deux/comment-page-4/#comment-118657 Liana Wed, 10 Feb 2010 03:20:44 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=12441#comment-118657 Just checked, it's Kovalewska. And the interview with Nina Stemme is quite interesting. How does this woman cope with tree children and an operatic career??? That must be really tough. BTW, I showed to an opera-hating friend of mine this extraordinary Carmen duet posted by Monty; he found it great and said that if there was more of it in the opera, he would become a fan. And was very disapointed when I told him that there was little chance that an opera singer appears drunk (or whatever it was) on the Met's stage and can't get one phrase correctly, even given the sometimes weird casting... Just checked, it’s Kovalewska. And the interview with Nina Stemme is quite interesting. How does this woman cope with tree children and an operatic career??? That must be really tough. BTW, I showed to an opera-hating friend of mine this extraordinary Carmen duet posted by Monty; he found it great and said that if there was more of it in the opera, he would become a fan. And was very disapointed when I told him that there was little chance that an opera singer appears drunk (or whatever it was) on the Met’s stage and can’t get one phrase correctly, even given the sometimes weird casting…

]]> By: CruzSF http://parterre.com/2010/02/05/shes-no-longer-a-gypsy-part-deux/comment-page-4/#comment-118655 CruzSF Wed, 10 Feb 2010 03:13:17 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=12441#comment-118655 Oh, Liana! My friend is here for dinner so I must go. Enjoy the rest of <i>Carmen</i>. Oh, Liana! My friend is here for dinner so I must go. Enjoy the rest of Carmen.

]]> By: CruzSF http://parterre.com/2010/02/05/shes-no-longer-a-gypsy-part-deux/comment-page-4/#comment-118653 CruzSF Wed, 10 Feb 2010 03:06:58 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=12441#comment-118653 I agree that tonight's Micaela is better than Frittoli was in the HD Broadcast (I'm sorry, I don't know tonight's singer's name). I agree too about Rhodes. To be honest, I didn't understand the hype about Rhodes when I saw/heard him in the HD. He seemed to have a wide-eyed fear throughout his entire first scene, and his voice in the Toreador song seemed pushed. (But that might have been due to the 3 hour notice he was given that he'd be on stage.) He's much better tonight (more natural, I really mean) and seemed more comfortable in Acts III and IV of the HD performance. I agree that tonight’s Micaela is better than Frittoli was in the HD Broadcast (I’m sorry, I don’t know tonight’s singer’s name).

I agree too about Rhodes. To be honest, I didn’t understand the hype about Rhodes when I saw/heard him in the HD. He seemed to have a wide-eyed fear throughout his entire first scene, and his voice in the Toreador song seemed pushed. (But that might have been due to the 3 hour notice he was given that he’d be on stage.) He’s much better tonight (more natural, I really mean) and seemed more comfortable in Acts III and IV of the HD performance.

]]> By: Liana http://parterre.com/2010/02/05/shes-no-longer-a-gypsy-part-deux/comment-page-4/#comment-118650 Liana Wed, 10 Feb 2010 02:59:27 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=12441#comment-118650 Actually, it's early :); 4 a.m; but this long winter has brought some kind of contagious insomnia, and the met provides a nice pastime (well, a friend of mine says that she discovered the best sleeping pill possible - assessing students' tests, but i definitely prefer Carmen). I like Ivanovich' singing more than Alagna's, but you're right, Alagna communicated the passion, and Jovanovich doesn't. But Rhodes improved dramatically from the HD; actually the torreador song was quite good. I like Borodina's singing, but again, I can't find much passion or seduction or whatever in it. And I like Micaela very much, apart from her bad French. Don't you think that she's better than Frittoli? Oh, and Will simply mumbles. Actually, it’s early :) ; 4 a.m; but this long winter has brought some kind of contagious insomnia, and the met provides a nice pastime (well, a friend of mine says that she discovered the best sleeping pill possible – assessing students’ tests, but i definitely prefer Carmen). I like Ivanovich’ singing more than Alagna’s, but you’re right, Alagna communicated the passion, and Jovanovich doesn’t. But Rhodes improved dramatically from the HD; actually the torreador song was quite good. I like Borodina’s singing, but again, I can’t find much passion or seduction or whatever in it. And I like Micaela very much, apart from her bad French. Don’t you think that she’s better than Frittoli? Oh, and Will simply mumbles.

]]> By: CruzSF http://parterre.com/2010/02/05/shes-no-longer-a-gypsy-part-deux/comment-page-4/#comment-118647 CruzSF Wed, 10 Feb 2010 02:46:19 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=12441#comment-118647 I think they're generally singing better than the HD Broadcast cast, although it seems to me that Garanca's voice is more agile than Borodina's, but it might be due to the latter's being a "true" mezzo (as I've seen her described here). I don't know how that works, to be honest, but I'm giving Borodina the benefit of the doubt because I (generally) like her. That is Will next to Margaret. Others usually describe his voice as having a "drunk" quality, which might explain why he's hard to understand. Back to the singers: I like Jovanovich, but I think Alagna could communicate madness and desperation better, at least so far tonight. Isn't it quite late for you, Liana? I think they’re generally singing better than the HD Broadcast cast, although it seems to me that Garanca’s voice is more agile than Borodina’s, but it might be due to the latter’s being a “true” mezzo (as I’ve seen her described here). I don’t know how that works, to be honest, but I’m giving Borodina the benefit of the doubt because I (generally) like her.

That is Will next to Margaret. Others usually describe his voice as having a “drunk” quality, which might explain why he’s hard to understand.

Back to the singers: I like Jovanovich, but I think Alagna could communicate madness and desperation better, at least so far tonight.

Isn’t it quite late for you, Liana?

]]> By: Liana http://parterre.com/2010/02/05/shes-no-longer-a-gypsy-part-deux/comment-page-4/#comment-118646 Liana Wed, 10 Feb 2010 02:41:14 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=12441#comment-118646 I'm listening too. Actually, the whole cast seems to be better than the one of the HD broadcast. BTW, is this Will in the intermission? I can't understand half of what he's saying (well, i'm not trying too hard) and his French (was he quoting Bizet's directions for the torreador song? I'm not sure I understood correctly) is really dreadful. Shouldn't a radio guy speak clearly? I’m listening too. Actually, the whole cast seems to be better than the one of the HD broadcast. BTW, is this Will in the intermission? I can’t understand half of what he’s saying (well, i’m not trying too hard) and his French (was he quoting Bizet’s directions for the torreador song? I’m not sure I understood correctly) is really dreadful. Shouldn’t a radio guy speak clearly?

]]> By: CruzSF http://parterre.com/2010/02/05/shes-no-longer-a-gypsy-part-deux/comment-page-4/#comment-118644 CruzSF Wed, 10 Feb 2010 02:34:44 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=12441#comment-118644 I'm sure most people are tired of <i>Carmen</i> for this season, but is anyone else listening to the Sirius broadcast at the moment? Borodina is singing pretty well tonight, although she didn't warm up until after the "Habanera." I’m sure most people are tired of Carmen for this season, but is anyone else listening to the Sirius broadcast at the moment? Borodina is singing pretty well tonight, although she didn’t warm up until after the “Habanera.”

]]> By: Harry http://parterre.com/2010/02/05/shes-no-longer-a-gypsy-part-deux/comment-page-4/#comment-118427 Harry Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:44:50 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=12441#comment-118427 Melba reincarneated? Melba reincarneated?

]]> By: mrmyster http://parterre.com/2010/02/05/shes-no-longer-a-gypsy-part-deux/comment-page-4/#comment-118425 mrmyster Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:18:02 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=12441#comment-118425 Another farewell tour? How touching! Another farewell tour?
How touching!

]]> By: kashania http://parterre.com/2010/02/05/shes-no-longer-a-gypsy-part-deux/comment-page-4/#comment-118423 kashania Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:58:27 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=12441#comment-118423 MrsJC: You have much to contribute to the discussion and often display brilliant insight. But please spare us your weekly farewell announcements (not to mention the regular digs at other posters). MrsJC: You have much to contribute to the discussion and often display brilliant insight. But please spare us your weekly farewell announcements (not to mention the regular digs at other posters).

]]> By: mrmyster http://parterre.com/2010/02/05/shes-no-longer-a-gypsy-part-deux/comment-page-3/#comment-118410 mrmyster Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:49:24 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=12441#comment-118410 Very true, Parpignol, in fact she was just about the only sane one in the stories -- and we know how unlikely that is for a singer! But, on the other hand, she was American, no? Born in Maine I believe. Mr Georgie once accompanied her on a concert tour of America! My, Fred Benson was a rascal, yes? His mother slept every night with a woman named Ben, while her husband, the Archbishop of Canterbury, slept down the hall. Ah, them wuz the days! Very true, Parpignol, in fact she was just about the only sane one
in the stories — and we know how unlikely that is for a singer!
But, on the other hand, she was American, no? Born in Maine
I believe. Mr Georgie once accompanied her on a concert tour
of America! My, Fred Benson was a rascal, yes? His mother slept
every night with a woman named Ben, while her husband, the
Archbishop of Canterbury, slept down the hall. Ah, them
wuz the days!

]]> By: Will http://parterre.com/2010/02/05/shes-no-longer-a-gypsy-part-deux/comment-page-3/#comment-118407 Will Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:11:47 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=12441#comment-118407 But an artist ISN'T an artist unless he or she occasionally pushes the envelope, takes risks and does something both unexpected and a bit dangerous. Maybe it works, maybe it doesn't but if there is no impulse from within to explore new territory, any kind of artist will sink eventually into dull routine. But an artist ISN’T an artist unless he or she occasionally pushes the envelope, takes risks and does something both unexpected and a bit dangerous. Maybe it works, maybe it doesn’t but if there is no impulse from within to explore new territory, any kind of artist will sink eventually into dull routine.

]]> By: parpignol http://parterre.com/2010/02/05/shes-no-longer-a-gypsy-part-deux/comment-page-3/#comment-118406 parpignol Mon, 08 Feb 2010 06:57:48 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=12441#comment-118406 though Benson's actual opera singer, dear Olga, is perfectly delightful though Benson’s actual opera singer, dear Olga, is perfectly delightful

]]> By: mrmyster http://parterre.com/2010/02/05/shes-no-longer-a-gypsy-part-deux/comment-page-3/#comment-118405 mrmyster Mon, 08 Feb 2010 05:32:46 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=12441#comment-118405 Does anyone remember 'Lucia'---the social queen of an English town (Rye), much portrayed by E. F. Benson in his Mapp & Lucia series of four or five novels? The more I think about it the more Lucia and Angela are the SAME persona; it's remarkable. Luciaphiles will know what I mean! Au Reservoir MrM/sfe Does anyone remember ‘Lucia’—the social queen of an English
town (Rye), much portrayed by E. F. Benson in his Mapp & Lucia
series of four or five novels? The more I think about it the more
Lucia and Angela are the SAME persona; it’s remarkable.
Luciaphiles will know what I mean!
Au Reservoir
MrM/sfe

]]> By: Niel Rishoi http://parterre.com/2010/02/05/shes-no-longer-a-gypsy-part-deux/comment-page-3/#comment-118404 Niel Rishoi Mon, 08 Feb 2010 03:56:50 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=12441#comment-118404 Well, Ms. Gherkins is not the only one who shows up in the morning for interviews in cocktail attire: Kathy Griffin said the same of Ann Coultergeist, who looked like she wandered in from a "1980s Robert Palmer video." Well, Ms. Gherkins is not the only one who shows up in the morning for interviews in cocktail attire: Kathy Griffin said the same of Ann Coultergeist, who looked like she wandered in from a “1980s Robert Palmer video.”

]]> By: mrmyster http://parterre.com/2010/02/05/shes-no-longer-a-gypsy-part-deux/comment-page-4/#comment-118398 mrmyster Mon, 08 Feb 2010 02:25:58 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=12441#comment-118398 gnomes? gnomes?

]]> By: isepo http://parterre.com/2010/02/05/shes-no-longer-a-gypsy-part-deux/comment-page-2/#comment-118396 isepo Mon, 08 Feb 2010 01:44:53 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=12441#comment-118396 Yeah I don't know if it's innate or rather she's made a close study of Scotto's recordings. Yeah I don’t know if it’s innate or rather she’s made a close study of Scotto’s recordings.

]]> By: CruzSF http://parterre.com/2010/02/05/shes-no-longer-a-gypsy-part-deux/comment-page-4/#comment-118394 CruzSF Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:59:09 +0000 http://parterre.com/?p=12441#comment-118394 She'll be back. What diva can resist the stage, even when it isn't her own? She’ll be back. What diva can resist the stage, even when it isn’t her own?

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