From the start of its lively and distinctive overture Carl Nielsen’s 1906 comic masterpiece Maskarade calls for a light and ironic approach, yet one which brings the ensemble forward with sufficient directorial force.
Renovations underway at the Wiener Staatsoper
Main stage of Wiener Staatsoper undergoing decennial renovations. (Photo: Gary Hoffman)
ROSSINI: Equivoco Stravagante
A DVD performance of an opera may deserve recommendation for a single memorable performance, or because a rare work has finally been recorded, or simply for nostalgia’s sake. How many DVDs primarily offer the pleasures of a witty, imaginative staging, done on a minimal budget?
Britten’s Paul Bunyan at Central City
http://news.ft.com/cms/s/f251707a-040a-11da-a775-00000e2511c8.html
La Voix Humaine at Glimmerglass
http://online.wsj.com/article/0,,SB112302089510903059,00.html?mod=opinion&ojcontent=otep
Donizetti’s Rita at the Wiener Kammeroper
On the evening of 28 July, I had the privilege to attend the Wiener Kammeroper’s performance of Donizetti’s Rita. Subtitled “The Battered Husband,” this one act farce revolves around Rita, the owner of a cafe, and her husband Beppe (Jose Aparicio).
Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg at Munich
http://www.merkur-online.de/nachrichten/kultur/kunstakt/art282,419883.html
Mitridate, Re di Ponto and The Magic Flute at Salzburg
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/02/arts/music/02moza.html
FAURÉ: Requiem and Other Works
The Requiem mass of Gabriel Fauré is often unfairly overshadowed by other 19th century settings of the mass. The monumental works of Giuseppe Verdi and Hector Berlioz achieve moments of extreme drama by stretching the limits of soloists, chorus, and orchestra. Fauré’s Requiem, in contrast, is an intimate vision of heavenly peace in the afterlife. The soaring melodic lines and compact harmonic progressions evoke profundity through beauty and simplicity.