In my very own private hell
No, we don’t really need another “Orpheus” opera. Or, rather, we don’t need this one.
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The river of dreams
The opera utilizes the idea of “magical realism,” telling a realistic story combined with elements of magic and fantasy.
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).
The second time around
While the formulaic nature of some of Rossini’s other operas can undermine his ability to balance bravura singing and playing with legitimate drama, a concert Maometto II proves, with what it offers as much as what it lacks, that the formula still works.
Oh my goddess!
Born on this day in 1848 prima donna assoluta (and pedagogue supreme) Lilli Lehmann.
Eurydice
Matthew Aucoin and librettist Sarah Ruhl’s reimagination of the ancient Orpheus myth, told from Eurydice’s point of view. Erin Morley stars in the title role, with Yannick Nézet-Séguin on the podium.
An idea so bold and crazy
I proposed to Edita that we turn my 20-page paper into a book, a musical biography.
Let’s twist again
In San Francisco Opera’s new Così fan tutte, the elements that most visibly read as “American” were a penchant for slapstick humor, overcooked blocking, and an abundance of cartoonish period costumes that hobbled the opera’s first act.
Grand designs
Born on this day in 1892 illustrator and designer Erté.
Theodora
A concert performance featuring Lisette Oropesa, Joyce DiDonato and Michael Spyres, with Il Pomo d’Oro Choir and Orchestra conducted by Maxim Emelyanychev.
Love, your magic spell is everywhere!
Teatro Grattacielo presented two visions of love’s magic on November 13 and 14—one via Spain and Argentina (in collaboration with Opera Hispánica) and the other via Alsace by way of Italy.
“I love food, and I love parts”
Born on this day in 1924 actress Geraldine Page.
“I’d rather dance than eat”
Born on this day in 1912 dancer Eleanor Powell.
“It’s just that she loves too much”
Born on this day in 1920 actress Gene Tierney.
The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess
The classic American opera features many artists from the triumphant 2019–20 production’s Grammy Award-winning cast. Eric Owens and Angel Blue star as the title couple, with conductor David Robertson on the podium.
A life-changing LP
I never fathomed I’d be writing words as these this soon.
We are family
Symphony orchestras crave Wagner so much they occasionally program single acts of one of the master’s demanding operas, especially Die Walküre’s rapturous first, so Trove Thursday offers six (!) incestuous concert renditions spanning half a century.
A merry widow
Born on this day in 1908 actress and comedian Imogene Coca.
It gives my heart a Pang
On this day in 1926 the US premiere and first Metropolitan Opera performance of Puccini’s Turandot.
Just come along with me a while
Happy 89th birthday to songstress Petula Clark!
State of Grace
Born on this day in 1929 actress Grace Kelly, later Princess Grace of Monaco.
Not really about ‘La bohème’
What is there to say about the Franco Zeffirelli Bohème? What is left to say?
Take me to the world
With one show opening Sunday, another beginning previews on Monday and two more scheduled for the spring, 2021-22 will be yet another Stephen Sondheim-centric season in New York City which leads Trove Thursday to offer three “international” live recordings in which the artist’s works are performed without his inimitable English lyrics.