Man of steel
“This throwback to the golden age of opera—superhuman singing greeted with frenzied ovations—was a function of a perfect storm of excitement.”
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.
Arms and the man I sing
The opening night of the Bayerische Staatsoper’s new production of Aïda, featuring Jonas Kaufmann in his staged role debut as Radamès, was captured informally on audio, and can be heard in full after the jump.
The chills that you spill up my back
Does the above photo depict a) the first day of rehearsals of Mefistofele at the Bayerische Staatsoper, or, b) a Deee-Lite reunion tour?
Blue light special
The Bayerische Staatsoper’s wildly popular series of free live streams returns for its fourth season, live and in full HD, on October 28 with a webcast of Richard Strauss’ Ariadne auf Naxos.
Schadenfreude, schöner Götterfunken
“One of the most highly-regarded pianists of our time, Grigory Sokolov, has refused to accept the Cremona Music Award 2015 because it has previously been awarded to the blogger Norman Lebrecht.”
Jumpin’ Jehovah!
In between gazing at tonight’s Super Blood Moon, cher public, you are invited to post your favorite moon-related YouTube videos in the comments section below.
Miss Farrar denies criticizing America
“I really didn’t say all those horrid things that were printed in the German paper under my name.”
Everything’s coming up Jamie
Mezzo-of-the-moment Jamie Barton’s future Met assignments include . . .
Blind audition
Which erstwhile impresario, who surely heaved a sigh when he no longer was welcome at his previous theater, is about to sign on at the Met in a Director of Productions-type position?
When Caucasians collide
Here’s a charming example of an old European white male quoting another old European white male for the purpose of mansplaining to those silly Asians why they have no business getting offended at ethnic stereotypes.
Moor than expected
La Cieca guesses we will have to make these quizzes more challenging.
Feel the early morning madness
“Glenn Close‘s Norma Desmond is back.”
Breaking: horses not to be frightened
“Our patrons are also our investors, and because many of our core subscribers are also our most generous philanthropists, we need to make sure that our programming jives with their expectations, what they’d like to see onstage.”
Where one will be seen
The results are in for the 2015 fall season poll, and now La Cieca will know where to find the cher public, including some rather out-of-the-way places.
Bin ich nun frei?
La Cieca is pleased as can be to announce that our friends at Opera Depot (not pictured) are offering a whopping 60% off on all German opera recordings all week long.
Here’s Lucy
The breaking news from San Francisco Opera is that Nadine Sierra will sing the title role of in a new production of Lucia di Lammermoor, replacing Diana Damrau, who will not.
The puff preliminary
Anna, Bart and Peter talk about the Met’s new season with the always engaging Michael Cooper of the New York Times.
Ah, je ris!
How this slipped under La Cieca’s radar she’ll never know: the premiere of a new opera based on the Tintin adventure Les Bijoux de la Castafiore.
“We’re looking at everything”
Naming rights, Sunday performances, an extension of the Met’s lobby forward into Lincoln Center Plaza . . . Peter Gelb puts all that and more on the table.
“Et puis tout le monde a pris un beau long somme”
Emue aux larmes, la diva lui a donné son consentement.
Where will one be seen?
So, cher public, as you air out your aigrettes and polish your parure in preparation for the 2015 fall season, which amongst the many offerings, uh, offered will be your must-sees?