Off the beat
La Cieca has just heard that Leonard Slatkin has been removed from further performances of Traviata at the Met.
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Bright despair
On this beautiful spring morning, La Cieca is delighted to announce to her cher public that she has uncovered yet another exclusive scoop. For you listening enjoyment on this last day of March, we present the next single to drop from the most talked-about operatic disc since Karita Mattila‘s!
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).
Alla cantata ancor manca la diva
Patricia Racette will sing the title role in Puccini’s Tosca on April 14, 17, 20, and 24 matinee, replacing Karita Mattila, “who is ill” — this just in from the Met’s press office.
Dies alles – hab ich nur geträumt?
This production, though obvious Regie fodder, looks far too interesting to wait for our regular Sunday night quiz! Video after the jump.
Get out your handkerchiefs
“Angela Gheorghiu‘s triumph in La Traviata Monday night at the Met was a searing reminder of why we go to opera in the first place.” [NY Post] Photo: Marty Sohl/Metropolitan Opera
Confection on a Dance Floor
La Cieca breathlessly offers you a sneak preview of one of this spring’s most eagerly awaited CDs.
Across a crowded plaza
Recently denasaled bass-baritone Paulo Szot returns to South Pacific at the Vivian Beaumont tomorrow. [Broadwayworld.com]
Someday their prince won’t come
According to Anne Midgette, baritone Carlos Alvarez has withdrawn from Washington National Opera’s production of Hamlet, to be replaced by Michael Chioldi and Liam Bonner, with their individual dates TBA. [The Classical Beat]
Kiss kiss
“Diva! The very word evokes tantrums, unreasonable demands — and the wrath of Aretha Franklin denied her Snickers bar.” Our Own JJ (not pictured) discusses divadom with Angela Gheorghiu in the New York Post.
Deutsche treat
Boy, this review practically writes itself. I’ve heard Jonas Kaufmann’s Alfredo live and was duly impressed, so I was thrilled to have the opportunity to review this recording. All I can say about Jonas Kaufmann: Mozart, Schubert, Beethoven & Wagner (Decca 4781463), to be released April 6, 2010, is that it went straight to both […]
Regie inferno
Well done, Lindoro Almaviva, for not only guessing the opera but pinpointing the correct scenes and characters in Idomeneo! The production is by Ivo van Hove for La Monnaie.) And now for something completely less minimal.
To chat or not to chat
You know La Cieca’s two favorite things in the world are French grand opera and ham, so how could she miss the chance to host a chat on so rare an occasion as today’s Met broadcast of Hamlet? The chat begins at 1:00 pm, and the details are after the jump.
Big love
My tolerance for 17th century opera is generally low, but even I can appreciate the value in an underappreciated composer like Francesco Cavalli.
Cher public dell’abisso affrettati!
La Cieca (not pictured) invites you, her group mind, to help her sort out the following conundrum.
One in a mill
When I saw this CD was coming out my first thought was, “Why?” We already have brilliant recordings of “Die Schöne Müllerin” from artists like Fritz Wunderlich, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, et. al.
Monarch butterfly
Happiest 100th birthday greetings to the legendary Magda Olivero! In celebration, let’s enjoy a recital from December 13, 1977 in Dallas, Texas, with Ivan Davis, piano.
I can’t do the sum
2 Headstrong Singers + 1 Conductor Unfamiliar with the Score = 1 Lost Cause?
Dog Bites Man
“The new avant-garde head of Madrid’s opera house, Gerard Mortier, Wednesday promised an ‘innovative’ first season in charge.” [AFP]
Blanche Thebom 1918-2010
La Cieca has just heard that mezzo-soprano Blanche Thebom died this morning at the age of 91. Her 22 year career at the Met included over 350 performances.
Wolfgang’s work
A couple of glimpses of the last Ring cycle Wolfgang Wagner directed before turning over the Regie reins to Patrice Chéreau.
As of now
Early reports indicate that Rolando Villazón was back in form last night for his return to the stage in L’elisir d’amore at the Vienna Stage Opera.
Comeback kid
According to first reports, Rolando Villazón enjoyed a much-applauded success earlier this evening at the Vienna State Opera as Nemorino, his first staged opera performance in almost a year.