feniceSome of you may remember a few weeks ago comments veered off into a discussion  of relative sizes of 19th century theaters vs. modern opera houses and, specifically, the issue of a stage apron, a playing area that extended past the proscenium into the auditorium proper, therefore allowing singers to take advantage of warmer acoustics and greater proximity to the audience.

Well, she’s finally remembered where she saw an example of these practices.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnJliUutkWQ&start=72

It’s the opening scene of Luchino Visconti’s masterpiece Senso, which is set (as the opening titles indicate) in the Teatro La Fenice in 1866.

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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