The case of the missing Amelia
“In the space of a few words, the leading role in a major new production had been reassigned. But why?”
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.
Wags will tongue
As the season gears up, so does the chat at La Casa della Cieca.
First sip
UPDATE: A video preview of the new Elisir follows the jump.
Lady for one day
But the part she seems most excited about is Lady Macbeth in Verdi’s treatment of Shakespeare’s Scottish play.
La Cieca, like Nature, abhors a vacuum
“Upon my word,” exclaims La Cieca (pictured at right, in the background), “I could almost swear I see a few empty seats on the other side of theater for the Met’s opening night performance of L’elisir d’amore!”
Ich kann nicht überspitzen
Frankly, the response to the Elektra quiz was uneven. La Cieca will explain after the jump.
Medium and rare
“Considering one of the season’s star singers is a plus-size female impersonator, opera this fall is anything but a drag.”
L’intervallo
Now that La Cieca (pictured) has returned to New York, she can hardly wait to hear your off-topic and general interest discussion for the week.
Twilight time
And finally, we come to the last night of our Ring-watching experience, cher public.
Sibling revelry
Welcome, cher public, to the second night of the week’s Wagnerama.
Rainbow party
Welcome, cher public, to the first night of our Ring-watching experience
Träume Center
This is Ring week here at parterre.com, cher public.
So what’s the deal with the Dew Fairy?
Renée Fleming, celebrated soprano, musical ambassador and riffmeister…
September song
Here’s a quiz compiled by Our Own DeCaffarrelli to help fill out the tedious month before the season opens, cher public.
Follow me and climb the stairs
La Cieca was hoping for an official announcement from the New York Times before she posted this, but it looks like she’s going to have to grit her teeth and link to Norman Lebrecht after all.
Boom and bust
Just for you girls, Betsy turns her headlights on a nice handful of operas that will no doubt prove to be bags of fun.
Happy Birthday Regina Resnik
The dynamic American singing actress celebrates the 90th anniversary of her birth today.
House of sand and frogs
New York City Ballet presents a rare staging of the only Stravinsky-Aristophanes collaboration.
Gone in sixty seconds
Out of nowhere, Santa Fe Opera’s chief conductor Frédéric Chaslin has resigned his position.
A dream? Or a dud?
Step right up, ladies and gentlemen, for the New York City Opera is now offering subscriptions to its [2012-]2013 season.
“So that’s what she calls meeting Mrs. Haines socially”
Just for fun on a Monday morning: supply a caption to the above photograph.
Remember me!
Take a boozy short leave of your nymphos on shore, and enjoy your weekly intermission chat, cher public.
The Great American Chat
Our Own Betsy cries, “Grab your spoon and dish: it’s Saturday chat time!”