Larry Mellman

We are magicians We are magicians

In Moses und Aron Schoenberg’s struggle with the essence of his own Jewishness is the cosmic glue that bonds Kosky’s to Schoenberg’s vision.

By on June 15, 2020 at 10:53 AM
2 comments
Golden splendor and hell Golden splendor and hell

I have seen all sorts of Boris Godunovs, but nothing quite like this.

By on June 08, 2020 at 1:19 PM
10 comments
Speed kills Speed kills

Minnesota Opera’s stab at boosting revenue with extra performances of something surefire never caught fire. 

By on May 22, 2019 at 2:57 PM
3 comments
The opposite Sox The opposite Sox

Joel Puckett and Minnesota Opera hit it out of the park.

By on March 18, 2019 at 10:52 AM
23 comments
The farce of destiny The farce of destiny

The chaos is nonstop, the comedy is broad and physical, and requires a large ensemble of singers who can execute Rossinian polysyllabic patter while taking pratfalls.

By on January 30, 2019 at 10:16 AM
15 comments
The rich are different from you and me The rich are different from you and me

Whether you love the 2018 Berlin Staatsoper Tristan and Isolde depends on what you think the opera is about.

By on December 15, 2018 at 10:00 AM
2 comments
Against the grain Against the grain

I wondered if there truly is a future for opera other than as an overpriced museum piece for an aging audience who likes their sets lavish, their productions non-challenging, and their singers telegenic. 

By on December 07, 2018 at 9:00 AM
24 comments