EMI’s publicity for this studio recording focuses on soprano Angela Gheorghiu and her portrayal of Cio-Cio-San.
Year: 2009
Paris: King Roger Goes Hollywood
Paris Opera seems to posit the question: Does anyone completely understand what Karol Szymanowski’s King Roger is about?
Donizetti: Lucrezia Borgia
Of Donizetti’s 55 operas, four to five hold on to secure places in the repertory, a much greater number are all but unknown, and in the middle come the titles that see occasional revivals, as flawed but fascinating rarities.
Verdi: La Forza del Destino
This looks like a winner, with an esteemed conductor (Zubin Mehta), top-rank cast (Violeta Urmana, Marcello Giordani, Carlo Guelfi), and a production directed by Nicholas JoÎl that originated at the Opernhaus Z¸rich, a house that takes some chances and scores some successes.
‘Opera Noir’ Entertains at Santa Fe
Can a famously successful movie be made into an effective opera? A
quick answer is: yes!
Gergiev’s Covent Garden Ring is a primary school travesty, so I walked out
http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/culture/damianthompson/100001908/gergievs-covent-garden-ring-is-a-primary-school-travesty-so-i-walked-out/
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