Category: Recordings

With the passing of Carl Maria Giulini (1913-2005) in June 2005, the music world lost one of its finest conductors. Among his legacy are some critical recordings, which represent the literature that Giulini chose to preserve.

I admit I jumped at the chance to review these SACD re-releases of performances that were on the very first classical vocal LPís that I owned and overplayed on under-maintained equipment, to the point where I frankly shudder to even try to compare my vinyl versions with the digital.

What an unjust fate for an aspiring opera composer to be born the son of Richard Wagner! Imagine a child of Albert Einstein who dreams of greatness in science, or the son of William Shakespeare sitting down to sketch out his first sonnet. Doubtless you would have a nagging suspicion that you would likely never better your fatherís titanic accomplishments.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

There are countless artists whose legend survives on their supposed fame, others leave a substantial legacy of their achievements.

Tastes in music for Christmas are quite personal. One individualís beloved tradition may be anotherís annoying jangling that just wonít go away.