Reframing
The production is at all times visually arresting, but it’s also extremely distracting.
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Everybody loves to take a bow
On this day in 1964 the Metropolitan Opera presented the debuts of Leonard Bernstein, Franco Zeffirelli and Franco Zeffirelli in a new production of Verdi’s Falstaff.
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).
Midcentury modern
On this day in 1959 Alban Berg’s Wozzeck had its Metropolitan Opera premiere (in English translation.)
Twilight of the goddess
On this day in 1952, Kirsten Flagstad sang the title role in a new production of Gluck’s Alceste at the Metropolitan Opera.
Broadcast: Madama Butterfly
The controversial heroine of Ermonela Jaho sings, with the opera beginning at 1:00 PM.
No retreat, Nono surrender
Intolleranza was presented by Leon Botstein and his American Symphony Orchestra at Carnegie Hall on Thursday night, holding the audience rapt and intrigued for 65 minutes.
Virgin territory
On this day in 1970 mezzo-soprano Marilyn Horne made her Metropolitan Opera debut as Adalgisa.
The mania event
Christine Goerke‘s puzzling high register has become an increasingly troubling aspect of her singing. One just never knew what was going to come out from one moment to the next.
“Marge won’t out like a liar, a-whomping Odawalla Anna Bey!”
Broadway baby Renée Fleming pays tribute to the immortal Leslie “And they’re hockin’ the bejeebers” Uggams in this selection from Carousel.
“There is only good music and bad music”
Born on this day in 1900 composer Kurt Weill.
“Naturally this leaves me all fardayget and farblondzhet…”
It’s about a Jewish Priestess, who has 2 secret children with a Roman Soldier, which already creates conflict.
“The trouble is you think you have time”
“Trove Thursday” presents Falla’s La Vida Breve in a live concert version with Victoria de los Angeles, one of Spain’s greatest singers, as Salud.
A word from our sponsors
A special high-kicking salute to our admirable advertisers for the month of March!
Winter meeting: the top ten parterre posts for February 2018
Even the news of the Met’s upcoming season and coverage of important revivals of Semiramide and Parsifal couldn’t hold a candle to the cher public’s interest in the star pairing of Sonya Yoncheva and Michael Fabiano.
Where is style ? Where is skill? Where is forethought?
Happy 93rd birthday soprano Lucine Amara.
“Rock-a-bye your rock-a-bye baby with a tune from Mycenae!”
Yummy Yannick Nézet-Séguin belts out a song in a Met practice room.
BASTA: Significant mother
At last, Jesús Halévy had found the right size. The small ecru sweater was buried beneath a stack of extra-larges at the Macy’s on Herald Square.
Ballet of the dolls
On this day in 1910 prima ballerina Anna Pavlova made her debut at the Metropolitan Opera in Coppélia (on a double bill with Werther!)
To live through the music onstage
Happy 83rd birthday soprano Mirella Freni.
The Beautiful Voice at Emerson’s Bar and Grill
If you’ve ever wondered how Renée Fleming would react just at the moment the smack kicked in, you’re about to find out.
You go to my head
Finally, medical science offers the answer to the conundrum that has baffled opera fans for decades: what was Renée Fleming thinking?
Teen model
While she brought many exceptionally appealing qualities to her portrayal, Ermonela Jaho’s slender soprano often struggled to cope with Puccini’s demanding music.