“For heaven’s sake, learn to act also; learn that there are new works to be interpreted, new operatic tendencies to be fostered, new things clamoring at our doors to urge us forward; learn that opera to-day is not a costume concert, but a throbbing, vital, human portrayal of loves and hates and passions; learn that to-day a voice without a brain is like faith without works.” [New York Times]
Scent of Mary
“For heaven’s sake, learn to act also…”
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.
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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.