“She is as controversial offstage as she is on, but a total delight. With all her swings of happy and unhappy moods and periods of pressure, there is still a sense of incredible intelligence and instinct behind everything she does…. Her problems are understandable in light of the kind of performer she is, never placid or even-tempered. But she is not temperamental either, in the sense of doing personal damage to anyone — only suffering in herself to perform…. What makes Tatiana special is that odd combination of enormous strength and an almost palpitating, sensual quality. It’s a vibrancy that pleases the musical and emotional possibilities.” — Matthew Epstein on Tatiana Troyanos, whose 1973 performance of Samson et Dalila graces this week’s Unnatural Acts of Opera.

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.

Comments