Ha! Dieser Stolz
On this day in 1898 contralto Ernestine Schumann-Heink made her Metropolitan Opera debut as Ortrud.
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“A Teutonic Zaza”
On this day in 1928, the Metropolitan Opera presented the American premiere of Richard Strauss‘s Die Ägyptische Helena with Maria Jeritza in the title role.
I’ll take the fall
The days are getting shorter, but you can keep the prattle going this fall’s Talk of the Town! You will, you can, you must join in the discussion about: Great mezzo soprano performances (October),
Gained in translation (November), Teleport me back to… (December).
Disorientation
Teatro Nuovo took a big risk in a bad way on Wednesday with its revival of Rossini’s Maometto II.
Aida
Latonia Moore, Melody Moore, Russell Thomas and George Gagnidze lead the cast in this performance from Los Angeles Opera.
We’ll always have Paris (or maybe not)
The revival of Don Carlo(s) which opened on November 3 restored the translated Italian text and the cut 1882 four-act revision not seen at the Met since Rudolf Bing’s last season in 1972.
“Judicious liberality”
On this day in 1883 the Metropolitan Opera presented the company premiere of La traviata.
“Almost unbelievable crudity”
On this day in 1924, the Metropolitan Opera presented La bohème, a performance visiting critic Ernest Newman didn’t seem to like one bit.
Don Carlo
Four acts, in Italian… the good old Don Carlo we all know and love.
“Opera has become like instant soup”
On this day in 1989 soprano June Anderson made her Metropolitan Opera debut in a new production of Rigoletto.
Last dance
If it is true that there are few respectable ways for people over 40 without small children to celebrate Halloween, a performance of Richard Strauss’ pioneering horror opera Elektra belongs on the short list.
Turbata anima mia
On this day in 1931 apparently ubiquitous soprano Rosa Ponselle graced the Metropolitan Opera’s opening night performance of La traviata.
A word from our sponsors
La Cieca extends the heariest imaginable thanks to our parterre box advertisers for the month of November 2022!
Westward turns the gaze
A welcome return by Christian Ocier reviewing Wagner in far-flung Seattle led the top ten most read posts for the month of October.
Days of the diva
The magazine to which I no longer subscribe has for years celebrated divas each November; Chris’s Cache follows suit offering favorite sopranos and mezzos in live-performance rarities every Tuesday this month.
Antique sonority
On this day in 1926 the Metropolitan Opera opened its season with La vestale with Rosa Ponselle in the title role.
He plays the violin
The pandemic had different effects on different people.
“The work by which I stand or fall”
Dame Ethel Smyth’s third opera, The Wreckers, opened at Houston Grand Opera on October 28 and runs through November 11.
Burning and bitter beauty
On this day in 1927 the Metropolitan Opera opened its 1927 season with a revival of Turandot featuring Maria Jeritza and Giacomo Lauri-Volpi.
Utterly commanding
On this day in 1975 the Metropolitan Opera presented the role debut of Régine Crespin as Carmen.
Das Rheingold
Video streaming from the Staatsoper Berlin with Christian Thielemann conducting a new production by Dmitri Tcherniakov.
“Dynamic, highly charged, tigerish”
On this day in 1956 the Metropolitan Opera opened its season with Maria Callas in Norma.
An unholy decadence
On this day in 1966 the Metropolitan Opera presented a new production of Elektra.
On a par with tuberculosis
Come back, Big Clock! We need you more than ever!