What is it about Natalie Dessay, La Cieca wonders, that provokes journalists to badmouth La sonnambula?
As, for example, Christian Merlin in Le Figaro, who characterizes a new production of the Bellini gem thusly: “À l’Opéra Bastille, Natalie Dessay domine de tout son talent une soirée grise, dans une œuvre à l’intérêt limité.”
Le snore
By La Cieca 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
Tell us: What was the best of 2025?
Parterre Box concludes the thrilling first year of Talk of the Town by inviting your lightning rod opinions on several more categories of operatic argumentation.
