The Bess of Everything

By La Cieca

May 18, 2010

In honor of the impending revival of Porgy and Bess at New Jersey State Opera (marking the 75th anniversary of the premiere of the work), La Cieca invites the public to share their favorite YouTube clips of the Gershwin masterpiece. After the jump, La Cieca nominates a highlight and a lowlight of Porgiana.

First, our generation’s definitive Crown, Gregg Baker, who has since graduated to the role of Porgy.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Am6L7X3GlYo

And here’s cable access legend Mari Lyn setting back the course of world history by several centuries.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hp6aOVnOMnY&start=150

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.