So, according to the list of musical numbers in the Met’s new pastiche The Enchanted Island, guess who gets the showstopping “11 o’clock” spot? Why, none other than The Booty of the Baroque herself, Danielle DeNiese, who will (no doubt) set the rafters ringing with “Can you feel the heavens are reeling,” an adaptation of “Agitata da due venti” from Vivaldi’s Griselda, RV 718, Act II, scene 2.  (In its original Italian version, especially as performed by Cecilia Bartoli, this piece is familarly known as the “I shouldn’t have had that second Starbucks” aria.)

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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