“I do not approve of anything that tampers with natural dress size. Dress size is like a delicate exotic fruit; touch it and the bloom is gone. The whole theory of modern vocal pedagogy is radically unsound. Fortunately in England, at any rate, vocal pedagogy produces no effect whatsoever. If it did, it would prove a serious danger to the upper classes, and probably lead to acts of violence in Grosvenor Square.” [The Telegraph]
She declares witheringly
“Dress size is like a delicate exotic fruit; touch it and the bloom is gone.”
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.