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.
Where the elite meet
La Cieca recalls the words of her old, old, old friend Eve Harrington: “In good conscience, I must give credit where credit is due.” And far be it for La Cieca to begrudge her cher public something so freely given by Little Miss Evil.
La Cieca’s favorite couple of sentences from that Vanity Fair piece, and why
“Volpe, who is 69, wants to set the record straight, now that Peter Gelb is being held up as the architect of a new, dynamic Met: with enough money, he too could have been creative. ‘Peter spends money in ways I never could,’ Volpe told me. ‘If I had Mercedes Bass and I could have […]
Opera chat line makes the big time
“A report was posted soon after on Parterre.com, an opera blog, that Mr. Slatkin had been removed from further performances.” [NYT]
Off the beat
La Cieca has just heard that Leonard Slatkin has been removed from further performances of Traviata at the Met.
Bright despair
On this beautiful spring morning, La Cieca is delighted to announce to her cher public that she has uncovered yet another exclusive scoop. For you listening enjoyment on this last day of March, we present the next single to drop from the most talked-about operatic disc since Karita Mattila‘s!
Alla cantata ancor manca la diva
Patricia Racette will sing the title role in Puccini’s Tosca on April 14, 17, 20, and 24 matinee, replacing Karita Mattila, “who is ill” — this just in from the Met’s press office.
Dies alles – hab ich nur geträumt?
This production, though obvious Regie fodder, looks far too interesting to wait for our regular Sunday night quiz! Video after the jump.
Get out your handkerchiefs
“Angela Gheorghiu‘s triumph in La Traviata Monday night at the Met was a searing reminder of why we go to opera in the first place.” [NY Post] Photo: Marty Sohl/Metropolitan Opera
Confection on a Dance Floor
La Cieca breathlessly offers you a sneak preview of one of this spring’s most eagerly awaited CDs.
Across a crowded plaza
Recently denasaled bass-baritone Paulo Szot returns to South Pacific at the Vivian Beaumont tomorrow. [Broadwayworld.com]
Someday their prince won’t come
According to Anne Midgette, baritone Carlos Alvarez has withdrawn from Washington National Opera’s production of Hamlet, to be replaced by Michael Chioldi and Liam Bonner, with their individual dates TBA. [The Classical Beat]
Kiss kiss
“Diva! The very word evokes tantrums, unreasonable demands — and the wrath of Aretha Franklin denied her Snickers bar.” Our Own JJ (not pictured) discusses divadom with Angela Gheorghiu in the New York Post.
Regie inferno
Well done, Lindoro Almaviva, for not only guessing the opera but pinpointing the correct scenes and characters in Idomeneo! The production is by Ivo van Hove for La Monnaie.) And now for something completely less minimal.
To chat or not to chat
You know La Cieca’s two favorite things in the world are French grand opera and ham, so how could she miss the chance to host a chat on so rare an occasion as today’s Met broadcast of Hamlet? The chat begins at 1:00 pm, and the details are after the jump.
Cher public dell’abisso affrettati!
La Cieca (not pictured) invites you, her group mind, to help her sort out the following conundrum.
Monarch butterfly
Happiest 100th birthday greetings to the legendary Magda Olivero! In celebration, let’s enjoy a recital from December 13, 1977 in Dallas, Texas, with Ivan Davis, piano.
I can’t do the sum
2 Headstrong Singers + 1 Conductor Unfamiliar with the Score = 1 Lost Cause?
Dog Bites Man
“The new avant-garde head of Madrid’s opera house, Gerard Mortier, Wednesday promised an ‘innovative’ first season in charge.” [AFP]
Blanche Thebom 1918-2010
La Cieca has just heard that mezzo-soprano Blanche Thebom died this morning at the age of 91. Her 22 year career at the Met included over 350 performances.
Wolfgang’s work
A couple of glimpses of the last Ring cycle Wolfgang Wagner directed before turning over the Regie reins to Patrice Chéreau.
As of now
Early reports indicate that Rolando Villazón was back in form last night for his return to the stage in L’elisir d’amore at the Vienna Stage Opera.
Comeback kid
According to first reports, Rolando Villazón enjoyed a much-applauded success earlier this evening at the Vienna State Opera as Nemorino, his first staged opera performance in almost a year.