E il sol dell’animator
Something contemporary for the cher public: starting at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, the new Philip Glass opera The Perfect American.
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.
I can name that diva in six notes
In this clip from an Italian quiz show of the 1950s, Toti dal Monte requires not even a whole phrase to identify the unique voice of Magda Olivero.
World of song conquered
La Cieca invites the cher public to take a brief respite from the performance of La Alexander to enjoy this week’s discussion of off-topic and general interest subjects.
Sticks and stones
Here’s a story in which practically nobody in authority comes off well.
And now a word…
La Cieca is delighted to introduce to you, the cher public, our sponsors for the month of February.
Swiss you were here
The Pierre Audi production of Guillaume Tell has opened at De Nederlandse Opera.
No dice
The Met took a gamble on a new production of Rigoletto Monday night—but, dramatically at least, the show crapped out.
Jiggoletto
The stage production of Rigoletto contains very brief partial nudity, which will not be shown in the Live in HD transmission of the opera.”
Point and shoot
Meet parterre’s new tutelary spirit, tenor August Schram, star of Metube.
The wrong box
Take a breather, cher public, and join in the general interest and off-topic conversation in this week’s intermission feature.
Snow business
This week on Operavore: “Strong Women of Opera.”
Steam heat?
Tenor Vittorio Grigolo, easy on the eyes despite the fright wig, is one of the “Hottest Opera Stars Of 2013.”
Everybody cut loose
You know, information wants to be free and all that.
Grand undrape
Which opera company that apparently still exists has sent out a casting call for no fewer than 40 supernumeraries to appear naked in an work whose title, ironically, includes a part of the body that is generally not concealed anyway?
You didn’t notice the wallpaper?
In the interest of absolute accuracy (for surely the cher public deserves no less!) La Cieca offers the following correction.
Sous le ciel tout étoilé
FINAL RSVP REQUEST: La Boheme from The Royal Opera – This Sunday, Jan. 27.
The revolution will be televised
Ah, finally a light begins to break.
She got through all of last year and she’s here
The apparently immortal Anja Silja (all those performances of Vec Makropulos must have rubbed off!) is seen here in her newest role, Babulenka in Prokofiev’s Igrok at Oper Frankfurt.
When I have sung my songs to you
… I’ll just keep on singing until everyone hears it.
Pretty perfect
In a winter rich with splashy debuts, Friday’s performance of Le Comte Ory introduced a 27-year-old South African charmer who may well be the Met’s next big star.
Moi, je m’appelle Raisinette
Another Sunday, another invitation to discuss off-topic and general interest subjects.
Sorry, right number
Today marks the premiere of the Operavore radio show on WQXR.
New flame
Elena Manistina will make her Met debut as Azucena in the Saturday, January 19 evening performance of Verdi’s Il Trovatore, replacing Stephanie Blythe, who is [obviously] ill.
Chat without tears
Your doyenne invites you to drop by La Casa della Cieca.