http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/culture/damianthompson/100001908/gergievs-covent-garden-ring-is-a-primary-school-travesty-so-i-walked-out/
Month: July 2009
Gluck by Bampton Classical Opera
Performances by Bampton Classical Opera are typically noteworthy for two
principal aspects: first, the company repeatedly presents classical-period
rarities which surprise and delight, and second, they do so with wit, energy
and musico-dramatic vision, often employing quirky, fresh translations.
‘L’Amico Fritz’ stirs emotions
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/07/28/DDOB18VPJ0.DTL
Schubert bounces along at Wigmore Hall
The performance of lieder is a partnership between singer and pianist. In May I heard Julius Drake redeem an indifferent recital by the sheer beauty of his playing. I’ve been listening to him for more than 15 years. He’s a favorite. So I was completely taken by surprise by this recital
Busoni: Doktor Faust
The legacy of Ferruccio Busoni (1866-1924) includes some notable compositions, and among them is his unique setting of the Faust story.
K·t’a Kabanov· at Holland Park
http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/stage/opera/article6729115.ece
An Evening at PËre Lachaise [Or, Natalie Dessay Attempts Violetta]
A fine-sounding Santa Fe Opera orchestra, excellently conducted by FrÈdÈric
Chaslin, was barely into the haunting, delicate prelude to Act I of La
traviata, when a funeral procession, wet umbrellas unfurled, arrived to
wend its way though a stage full of big grey marble rectangular boxes,
handsomely abstracted tomb shapes, soon to be the courtesan Violetta
ValÈry’s destination. So much for the Prelude to Act I.