sallyfieldLa Cieca and her panel of experts were overwhelmed at the level of sheer lexicological cleverness exhibited by so many of the cher public in our More than words can say competition. Of the many brilliant responses, the judges have managed to choose an overall winner (who will receive the promised gift pack) plus several special mentions, all after the jump.

First place, for consistent excellence in both of the two definitions, goes to Donna Carlo (pictured above) for the following newly-coined words:

“I must say the bootique were out in full force for the opening night of the new Mary Zimmerman Norma.”

“The production dredged a new nadir of Gesamtwerkkunst when Susanna started playing the horn part in ‘Aprite un po’ quegli occhi’.”

There were two superb individual words suggested as well, certainly in the running to be used constantly in forthcoming parterre discussions.

From pavel:

“I must say the booque were out in full force for the opening night of the new Mary Zimmerman Norma.”

And from mozartFreak:

“The production dredged a new nadir of Schleptragerung when Susanna started playing the horn part in ‘Aprite un po’ quegli occhi’.”

In honor of jury president Squirrel, a special award honoring the year’s most promising comeback, the “Noisetier d’or,” goes to melisma catatonia for Ersatzbeschaeftigungsregie.

La Cieca

James Jorden (who wrote under the names "La Cieca" and "Our Own JJ") was the founder and editor of parterre box. During his 20 year career as an opera critic he wrote for the New York Times, Opera, Gay City News, Opera Now, Musical America and the New York Post. He also raised his voice in punditry on National Public Radio. From time to time he directed opera, including three unsuccessful productions of Don Giovanni. He also contributed a regular column on opera for the New York Observer. James died in October 2023.

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