Our Very Own Marianne Leitmetzerin (pictured) has graciously shared a jewel from her vast coffer of recorded performances, a boon La Cieca hopes will become a regular Monday event here at parterre.

Benjamin Britten: Billy Budd

Oper der Stadt Köln
Thomas Fulton, conductor
December 1992

Billy Budd – Boje Skovhus
Captain Edward Fairfax Vere – Philip Langridge
John Claggart – Monte Pederson
Mr. Redburn – Robert Bork
Mr. Flint – Ulrich Heilscher
Mr. Ratcliffe – Dieter Schweikart
Donald – Wilhelm Hartmann
Squeak – Martin Finke
Dansker – Carlos Feller
Novice – John LaPierre
Novice’s Friend – Klaus Bruch
Red Whiskers – Jean van Ree
Arthur Jones – Werner Sindemann
Bosun – István Rácz
First Mate – Karl-Heinz Vormschlag
Second Mate – Udo Kabot
Maintop – Eberhard Katz
Cabin Boy – Timo D’Arrigo
Midshipmen – Wolf Borchers, Stefan Laufenberg, Stephan Nordhoff, Johannes Schmitz

Celebrating the centennial of Benjamin Britten’s birth on 22 November 1913

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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