Manon
Starring Lisette Oropesa, Michael Fabiano and Artur Rucinski; conducted by Maurizio Benini. Transmitted live on October 26, 2019.
By
La Cieca
Streaming and discussion begin at 7:30 PM.
In general, Oropesa was more animated in the duets and ensembles, her performance reinvigorated by the stronger performances of her co-stars. Thus, the Act III love duet and the Act V death scene saw Oropesa in best form, the presence of Fabiano injecting her sound with a new vitality.
Indeed, Fabiano was like a breath of fresh air almost every time he graced the stage. His des Grieux had a bright, Italianate luster – a rich, full-bodied sound with a subtle spinto twang. His lower and middle registers had a gutsy, organ-like quality while his top notes soared with breadth and control, often swamping Oropesa’s considerably smaller sound. — Callum John Blackmore
Photo: Marty Sohl / Met Opera
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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Topics: opera in exile
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People: Callum John Blackmore
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Works: Manon
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Places & Organizations: Metropolitan Opera
