What is the difference between a lady who becomes a prima-donna and a prima-donna who becomes a lady? The last one has to be begged as she thinks she has to behave according to her rank. The first one is sure of herself and doesnít need, well letís call it to behave somewhat capriciously.
Category: Reviews
RAUTAVAARA: Rasputin
In fall 2003, Los Angeles Opera opened its season with Deborah Dratellís Nicholas and Alexandra, with libretto by Nicholas von Hoffman. At that time, company director Placido Domingo, who took on the juicy role of Rasputin, announced that the production would be filmed and prepared for eventual DVD release.
Malena Ernman, Simon Rattle and OAE at the Barbican ó Three Reviews
On 9 December 2005, Malena Ernman stepped in for an ailing Magdalena Koûen· at the Barbican in London. Here are three reviews.
Rigoletto at the Met ó Three Reviews
THE METROPOLITAN OPERA: Verdi considered Victor Hugoís play Le Roi síamuse ìone of the greatest creations of the modern theatreî, and jumped at the opportunity to adapt it for Venice in 1851.
Sherrill Milnes – An All Star Gala
The former TV-producer in me tells me the following conversation took place between producer and director (in German as this is a GDR (East-Germany) product).
Stravinsky in San Francisco ó Two Reviews
SAN FRANCISCO SYMPHONY: The San Francisco Symphony and Michael Tilson Thomas present two semi-staged theatrical performances: a double-bill featuring Stravinsky’s rarely heard operas The Nightingale and Oedipus Rex.
GAY: The Beggarís Opera
Benjamin Brittenís identity as a decidedly ìnationalî composer is formed in part by his well-known engagement of pre-existent English music, old English texts, and subjects rich in the English legacy, as a glance at works like the Purcellian The Young Personís Guide to the Orchestra, the Chester mystery play, Noyes Fludde, or the Elizabethan opera, Gloriana, all confirm.
Gwyneth Jones – In Concert
Sorry my friends, but since I retired as a TV-reporter I forgot a lot of technical know-how, which to be fair never interested me very much.
Edita Gruberov· ó The Queen of Belcanto Volume I
There are countless artists whose legend survives on their supposed fame, others leave a substantial legacy of their achievements.
On Christmas Day
Tastes in music for Christmas are quite personal. One individualís beloved tradition may be anotherís annoying jangling that just wonít go away.