The second “episode” of Norma is now available for download at Unnatural Acts of Opera.

And speaking of Norma, can anyone confirm this story? It’s a regional production of the opera, sometime around the mid to late ’60s. The Adalgisa either learned the role in a big hurry or else was just congenitally not very bright (unusual for a mezzo).

Well, anyway, this mezzo made her entrance in Act 2, and Norma of course sang, “Adalgisa!” And then the mezzo greeted the two children, “Alma… Costanza!”

Yeah, I know, that sounds pretty apocryphal to me too.

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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