Thus let few thanks be paid
Kudos to Opera Philadelphia for programming Handel’s Semele in its exceptionally interesting and wide-ranging Festival 2019; unfortunately, despite an extraordinary cast, James Darrah’s drably dull production doomed it.
Alex Rosen
29 pieces since 2006 — in 8 roles, at 7 companies, most often at Les Arts Florissants.
29
pieces
8
roles
7
companies
21
years
By role
Role Cadmus and Somnus
Role Falstaff
Stout fellow
There are two delights here: a delectable score too rarely heard and an introduction at close quarters to half a dozen young singers ready for takeoff, indeed already flying.
Role Farasmane
Lost in Thrace
Handel’s Radamisto returned to New York when Opera Lafayette movingly performed this early masterpiece.
Role Jupiter
The Aix factor
This summer’s festival, taking place amid record high temperatures and in the wake of its artistic director, Pierre Audi, featured a disquietingly zeigeisty focus on sexual violence.
Role Melisso
A three-hour tour
We may all be armchair Handelians, but some of us are more used to it than others.
Role Nettuno, Ombra di Eutyro
Bembo eruption
Supported by an ingenious production and strong performances, Antonia Bembo’s Ercole Amante makes a successful Paris Opera debut.
Role Raphael and Adam
Telling the glory of God
“The heavens are telling” begins the famous chorus that ends the first section of The Creation.
Role Thésée
Tragically Hippolyte
I had my head in my hands groaning in disbelief instead of joining in the general applause around me.
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).