dessay_asleepLa Cieca hears that two spectacular events crowned last night’s performance of La sonnambula at the Vienna State Opera.

First, Natalie Dessay was awarded the title of Kammersängerin (which, apparently, was officially abolished, but this seems to be an extraordinary circumstance). And then the soprano made a little speech explaining to the public that she is retiring the role of Amina and she wished she had been able to sing better at this last performance.

Oh, and La Cieca supposes the third milestone last night was that now Dessay will no longer be able to give interviews dissing La sonnambula, so everyone wins.

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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