<em>Macabre</em> fascination <em>Macabre</em> fascination

Can György Ligeti‘s only opera be understood as the composer’s own grappling with trauma, death, and memory of a past life?

Crack of doom Crack of doom

It took about 30 minutes for me to grow restless watching the world premiere video of Gyorgi Ligeti’s Le Grand Macabre from Gran Teatre del Liceu.

Gettin’ Ligeti Wit It

When invited to participate in a discourse on artistic standards (hello, internet!), it’s easy — pleasurable, even — for an aesthete to bray about “the fall.” Where are the true heldentenors? Your kingdom for a Callas! (Or a Stratas, or a Rysanek!) And might the public, at long last, deserve a stable of directors who…