Conductors for the ages Conductors for the ages

In Munich, performances by 97-year-old Herbert Blomstedt and 32-year-old Thomas Guggeis show the city’s orchestral ensembles at their best

By January 16, 2025 at 9:00 AM
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Sachs appeal Sachs appeal

Last night’s cast of Die Meistersinger at the Met, dominated by the irascible, unbeatable duo of Michael Volle and Johannes Martin Kränzle as Sachs and Beckmesser, did much to enliven Otto Schenk’s creaky, nearly 30-year-old production.

By October 27, 2021 at 1:05 PM
17 comments
Aggrieved is the glorious work Aggrieved is the glorious work

What could go wrong? As it turned out: just about everything!

By July 20, 2018 at 1:19 PM
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Shooting in low light Shooting in low light

What we really need, some seem to believe, is fuller representation of the 19th century.

By May 15, 2016 at 11:38 AM
34 comments
Sweetness and light Sweetness and light

This was a Rosenkavalier that aspired to excellence and almost achieved it. 

By February 18, 2016 at 10:00 AM
4 comments
Magic “Flute” Magic “Flute”

A confession:  I have a real love/ hate relationship with Mozart’s Die Zauberflote.

By March 12, 2015 at 9:00 AM
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