La Cieca’s faithful spy L’incredibile reports from the Met’s Samson prova that Clifton Forbis is “the most committed artist in this role since Jon Vickers,” up to and including singing the Act 1 B-flat full out over the chorus. (“Quite a contrast to Jose Cura‘s attitude.”) It doesn’t hurt, L’inc adds, that Forbis boasts “Popeye forearms” and “acts the role as Peter Grimes-crazy from the get-go.” The juxtaposition of Marina Domashenko‘s “too far back” vocalism with Jean-Philippe Lafont‘s “too far forward” voice results in our informant’s “overwhelming desire to turn up the volume knob on the mezzo.” Maestro Emmanuel Villaume, L’incredibile sighs, is “a flailer.” Samson et Dalila opens this Friday, and it certainly sounds worth the trip to the Met.

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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