From one of the earliest Mike Richter CD-ROMs, “Odd Opera,” comes a piece definitely fitting that description. It’s a live performance of Antônio Carlos Gomes’ Fosca!

Gomes: Fosca

Theatro Municipal de São Paulo
2 December 1996

Conductor: Luiz Fernando Malheiro
Fosca: Aline Imbert
Paolo: Ruben Medina
Delia: Adelia Issa
Cambro: José Antonio Soares
Gajolo: José Galissa
Doge: José Maria Cardoso
Giotta: Claudio Guiomaraes

For those of you who prefer their melodramma accompanied with acting of the lurch-and-stumble school and costumes from the Pleasant Peasant collection, here’s a televised production of the opera from 1973.

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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