Paris OpÈra recently served up two past productions in vibrant performances that were fresh-as-new.
Month: June 2010
Valencia Ring: Gˆtterd‰mmerung
Recorded in May and June 2008, this new Unitel Classica Blu-Ray disc of Gˆtterd‰mmerung is the final opera in the staging of Richard Wagner’s Ring der Nibelungen staged at the Palau de les Arts “Reina Sofia”, Valencia, by La Fura dels Baus, Valencia, conducted by Zubin Mehta, and directed by Carlus Padrissa.
Verdi’s Falstaff at The Metropolitan Opera, 1992
A Franco Zeffirelli production for The Metropolitan Opera typically prompts the use of adjectives such as “grandiose,” or “gorgeous” on the positive end or “gaudy” and “gratuitous” on the negative.
John Adams lends his music to ‘I Am Love,’ starring Tilda Swinton
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/culturemonster/2010/06/john-adams-lends-his-music-to-i-am-love-starring-tilda-swinton.html
The Love for Three Oranges, Grange Park Opera, UK
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/360f5762-7a2d-11df-aa69-00144feabdc0.html
Everyday Totalitarianism: Reflections on the Stuttgart Ring
http://oq.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/26/1/131?etoc
Underscoring Richard Wagner’s influence on film music
http://articles.latimes.com/2010/jun/17/entertainment/la-et-wagner-movies-20100617
Maureen Forrester, Canadian Contralto, Dies at 79
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/18/arts/music/18forrester.html
Denyce Graves at Strathmore: Living — if not singing — up to her image
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/06/14/AR2010061405599.html
Polishing Gemstones — Jette Parker Young Artists
Opera stars are made as well as born. The Royal Opera House Jette Parker Young Artists Programme shapes the stars of the future.