On the barren stage: a few chairs, a dark-gold hectoplasm projected on the wood panels of the acoustic chamber – nothing more.
Month: June 2008
See Venice and then die
For the belated Spanish premiere of Brittenís Death in Venice, 35 years after its creation in Aldeburgh, Barcelona seems a felicitous choice.
Songs by Henry & William Lawes
With this recording of songs by Henry & William Lawes, musical brothers who flourished in Caroline England, countertenor Robin Blaze with lutenist Elizabeth Kenny continue their exploration of early English song for Hyperion, and the results are stunning.
Star Power in Paris “Capuleti”
For Belliniís ìI Capuleti e i Montecchi,î Paris Opera peopled its revival with plenty of star power.
Opera with a human heart
When the Ringling Brothers folded their tents, opera took over. AÔda with elephants, and Walk¸re with real horses.
St. Francis in Amsterdam
It is a bit hard to know what to make of Olivier Messiaenís colossal piece ìSaint FranÁois díAssise,î beautifully mounted by Netherlands Opera.
Central City Opera at new height
http://www.dailycamera.com/news/2008/jun/08/review-central-city-opera-at-new-height/
Opera: An inquisition devoid of opinion
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/b6eb4d06-356e-11dd-998d-0000779fd2ac.html
Zurich Has Malibran to Thank
If you are going to produce Jacques Fromental Halevyís forgotten opera ìClari,î I urge you to first make sure you have a signature on the contact from a superstar with the firepower of Cecilia Bartoli.