A dark horse in every closet A dark horse in every closet

Mozart and Donizetti could humanize characters in a farce—Mercadante in I due FIgaro cannot get a handle on them.

By December 15, 2019 at 1:46 PM
4 comments
Well-trod cinders in fitting slippers Well-trod cinders in fitting slippers

Forgotten operas when revived may prove to be only their own reward.

By December 09, 2017 at 11:27 AM
4 comments
Metamorphoses Metamorphoses

Leos Janacek composed Adventures of Vixen Sharp-Ears, with its singing forest creatures of many species, in 1922-23.

By March 31, 2017 at 11:57 AM
7 comments
He who gets kicked He who gets kicked

A last minute scheduling conflict at the New York Post (curse you, Tony season!) meant that my planned review of Aufstieg und Fall der Stadt Mahagonny at Manhattan School of Music had to be 86ed.

By April 25, 2013 at 12:54 AM
34 comments
With a little bit of Gluck With a little bit of Gluck

The best joke in Offenbach’s delicious Orphée aux Enfers is the opening premise: Orphée and Eurydice are miserably married, due to her utter boredom with his old-fashioned music.

By March 31, 2013 at 12:02 AM
11 comments
Switcheroo

Last night, Manhattan School of Music presented a charming, funny and partially polished Le Nozze di Figaro that showcased the ability of the school’s opera program to take a pleasing singer and create a great performer, making for a wonderfully entertaining performance.

By April 29, 2010 at 11:43 AM
6 comments