All it takes to rocket to the top of the charts on parterre box these days is a chaise longue and a periwinkle dress. Your top 10 stories for July 2018 after the jump.

  1. O sofa fanciulla
  2. Knightfall
  3. If I could be with you one scour tonight
  4. Filling in
  5. U mad?
  6. Controlled ecstasy
  7. “Ah, mascalzone, presto in prigione! Suzuki, il thè!”
  8. Brian Kellow 1959-1918
  9. Transience
  10. You mean the butcher, grandma

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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