Questo e Quello
Despite the continued popularity of Der Freischütz in German-speaking countries, are the magical mature operas of Carl Maria von Weber otherwise really so problematic, their libretti so unwieldy to explain their continued absence from the world’s stages?
This week, Our Own Jungfer Marianne Leizmetzerin turns her vigilant ears to the recent past to take in a performance of Il trovatore featuring Anna Netrebko and Plácido Domingo.
As the clock continues to tick on the Met’s impending labor crisis, La Cieca is sure the cher public will have plenty to say about off-topic and general interest subjects.
The legendary and beloved Italian tenor died earlier today. He was 90.
La Cieca has come into possession of an interesting presentation, with fonts and everything, from Local 802, American Federation of Musicians, and the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, outlining their solution for the current financial crisis at the Metropolitan Opera.
“Conduct Salome and Elektra as if they were by Mendelssohn: Fairy music.” Seriously, how often has that happened?
I have banged on and on about doing an “Abscheulicher” quiz for years.
Christine Goerke is the Prima Donna in this scene from Francesca Zambello‘s Glimmerglass production of Ariadne auf Upstate New York, and Did I Mention That the Komponist is a Dyke?
Your conduit to the spirit world, La Cieca, isn’t feeling quite as clairvoyante as usual today, cher public, so she’s going to ask your help in predicting what will happen in the course of the Met’s current labor negotiations.
“The labor strife at the Metropolitan Opera took on a new urgency Wednesday, when the company’s general manager, Peter Gelb, sent its orchestra, chorus, stagehands and other workers letters warning them to prepare for a lockout if no contract deal is reached by next week.”
“Renee Fleming appears to be having as much fun as the audience with her send-up of a fragile opera diva.” [Troy Record]
Bel Canto at Caramoor is something that I’ve always wanted to attend but never have because … well because frankly I’m just too lazy during the summers, and I’m also a big baby about outdoor performances.
Two operas both alike in dignity, set in dimly lit Renaissance towns ruled by seething, conspiratorial courts.
Our Own Jungfer Marianne Leitmetzerin gets all giddy and girlish as she salutes the opening of the 103rd Bayreuth Festival this week.
No need to crowd, cher public: there’s plenty of room for everyone to discuss off-topic and general interest subjects.
Hey, folks! I wanted to put together a compilation of arias from a unique part of opera history, French grand opera. Today, from that genre, we’re going to hear great tenor arias.
“Peter Gelb says opera in the United States is having trouble finding an audience.”
Today is the 100th anniversary of the birth of that superb American soprano Eleanor Steber.
One of the late Mike Richter‘s most endearing traits was his fascination with rare or downright offbeat recordings, such as this complete 1963 performance of Verdi’s Don Carlos in Russian by artists of the Bolshoi.
“The description I read of this Boris, which I have not seen…”
“Who will dare dance with me the ancient Dagger-Dance of the Californians?”
Starting in less than half an hour, “Le Concert de Paris.”
Our Own Jungfer Marianne Leizmetzerin delves into the seedy personal lives of royalty (especially queens) with this performance of Semiramide from San Francisco.
The prolific American conductor and composer died earlier today in Virginia.
Tell us: What’s your favorite Verdi performance?
Hasten thee to feed another quarter of conversation for The Talk of the Town!
