Writing a history of an important and complex operatic repertory spanning three dynamic centuries is a daunting task, one that is perhaps better suited to several specialists than a single author. While an individual rarely possesses the scholarly breadth to write with expertise and authority on so much music, he or she can impart a unifying perspective and a consistent set of goals. But this advantage can also prove to be a limitation.
Who Said Wagner Didn’t Have a Sense of Humor?
bq. Australia forges a ‘Ring’ with confidence By Shirley Apthorp Published: November 30 2004 Where do the Valkyries meet between battles? At the Wunder Bar, of course. Schwertleite, Grimgerde and…
Pierre Jourdan Resurrects Haÿdée at Compiègne
OPéRA “Hayedée” à Compiègne Auber sort de l’oubli Jacques Doucelin [Le Figaro] [30 novembre 2004] Et de cinq ! Après Manon Lescaut, Gustave III, Le Domino noir et Les Diamants…
Lorraine Hunt Lieberson at NY Philharmonic
Turning Tragedy into Art By Jeannie Williams 29 Nov 2004 An interview with mezzo-soprano Lorraine Hunt Lieberson, who makes her New York Philharmonic debut this month. “I am drawn to…
Tristan und Isolde at LA Philharmonic
L.A. Phil: A ‘fresh context’ for ‘Tristan und Isolde’ By Valerie Scher UNION-TRIBUNE CLASSICAL MUSIC CRITIC November 28, 2004 Wagner’s “Tristan und Isolde” is an epic melodrama, a mythic love…
Opera North Presents Kurt Weill’s One Touch of Venus
On the Weill side of Venus Robert Thicknesse Opera North is reviving a “lost” work by the composer THINK of Kurt Weill and what do you get? Cigarettes, dim lights,…
La Scala Resurrected
bq. Milan’s La Scala stands ready to reopen on Dec. 7 after a two-year makeover, which includes the latest in acoustics and stage mechanics, a revamped floor, and new rehearsal…
Neue Zürcher Zeitung Reviews Angels in America
Eine neue Oper von Peter Eötvös in Paris uraufgeführt Peter Eötvös, der ungarische Komponist und Dirigent, heuer sechzig geworden, fühlt sich schon seit je zum Theater hingezogen. Seine Musik hat…
La Diva Renée
The ‘Voice’ of the Darling Diva By BARBARA JEPSON November 30, 2004 New York For sheer beauty of sound, no soprano today can match Renee Fleming. Her rich, golden-hued voice…