Magda Olivero 1910-2014
The legendary Italian soprano Magda Olivero has died.
John Cheek
17 pieces since 2010 — in 9 roles, at 7 companies, most often at Metropolitan Opera.
17
pieces
9
roles
7
companies
17
years
By role
Role Angelotti
Tosca divina
This review was not going to be primarily about Shirley Verrett. She is not a singer I am all that familiar with and when I was sent this DVD of Tosca to review a week ago, I focused more on the director of the production, baritone-turned-producer Tito Gobbi, than on the singers. But sometimes life […]
Role Billy Budd
Miss me blond
From the technical standpoint San Francisco Opera’s Billy Budd was pretty much flawless.
Role Count
Stop the wedding
Opera Philadelphia ended its season with Le Nozze di Figaro, Friday, and it will play May 3, 5, and 7—a matinee. Figaro is considered by most to be one of the few perfect operas and although it’s perhaps too easily encountered in routine run-throughs, there are usually rewards in seeing it.
Role Demetrius
To each word a warbling note
“What fools these mortals be!”
Role Doctor Grenvil
A smoking Traviata
Restrictions encourage creative staging, for which the Berkshire Opera Festival is renowned.
Role Oroveso
No minor talent
On this day in 1982 the Metropolitan Opera revisited its controversial season-opener Norma.
Role Pelléas
Country matters
Stefan Herheim productions may be many things, but they’re always theatrical.
Role Publio
Mozart for another time
Eagerly awaiting Met May Mozart Madness, Chris’s Cache presents a starry quintet of the master’s operas not being done next month.
Role Valens
Guys who sing high (and others)
A stack of noteworthy recent baroque vocal CDs on my desk has been staring at me for weeks, so I’m tackling them on Handel’s birthday before the Met roars back into action beginning this weekend.