UPDATE: Dessay has “just now” confirmed she will go on for tonight’s performance, which begins in about 15 minutes. Read more »
“Natalie Dessay … in a fuchsia dress and lace-up high boots, flaming red hair piled high on her head …. swung her arms above her head, stretched, and then literally screamed out what sounded like wild joy and barely bridled lust.” [Santa Fe New Mexican]
Natalie Dessay crosses over with Michel Legrand.
[kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/x7VyXKAvNV0" width="425" height="350" wmode="transparent" /]
This clip is one of a number of “Perle Nere” selections (including some classic filth) to be found on YouTube channel The Cucumber Masked. (For the record, your doyenne will state that she thinks the inclusion of Rolando Villazón material at this moment is not in the best of taste.)
Peter Gelb has just announced that, due to the indisposition of Natalie Dessay, the role of Amina in La sonnambula will be sung tonight by Rolando Villazon. (Thanks to Opera Chic!)
[Our Own Gualtier Malde (along with a few thousand other people) attended the public dress rehearsal of the Met's new production of La sonnambula this morning. Here is his report.] Innocence, rustic naiveté and virginity just don’t get no respect no more. I should know, I grew up way out in central New Jersey and couldn’t get a date (a male one that is) at all in high school. I didn’t get no respect and sadly neither does Vincenzo Bellini and more importantly, Felice Romani these days, at least at the Metropolitan Opera. These two men, one a poet in [...]
One of La Cieca’s most trusted spies wangled his way into the house last night for the surprise cast change in Lucia di Lammermoor, and here’s his report: Perhaps it is the side benefit of low expectations, but I was not offended by Anna Netrebko‘s performance on Tuesday night. Though certainly not a bel canto stylist or supreme technician, she gave a glamorously sung and winningly acted performance that had star quality. Not the best Lucia I have seen by a long shot but far from the worst. (I have heard Edita Gruberova, June Anderson, Sumi Jo, Martile Rowland, Ruth [...]
UPDATE: And now the reactions to Act 2: “Villazon continued to struggle. Pushed upper register and passaggio. High notes he seems to accomplish (or in some cases misses) by sheer will of force. Aside from a beautiful legato in the sextet, his voice is very worrisome. Netrebko has bloomed in this act, acuti seemingly in control, mostly, and beautiful phrasing.  Her duet with Kwiecien was the highlight of a second act that was blessed with many magical moments. Armiliato is expertly following the singer and trying to help them as much as possible. This was an overall splendid second act.” [...]
Cher Public