Opera News articles from October 2002

Opera News archives from October 2002

Committed to disc. (Viewpoint).(Brief Article)
October 1, 2002... For years, "New From the Studios" has been the centerpiece of OPERA NEWS's annual look at what recording companies have in store--and in stores--for lovers of vocal music. In August 1992, we published "Boom or Bust," an article for which we...

Correction.(Correction Notice)
October 1, 2002... In Eric Myers's "Universal Appeal" (Aug.), Deanna Durbin's birthplace, Winnipeg, was incorrectly identified. Winnipeg is in Manitoba, not Ontario.

Opera watch.(upcoming events)
October 1, 2002... 1. The cover of the catalogue for OPERATHON 2002, the broadcast fundraiser for LYRIC OPERA OF CHICAGO, features a Skrebneski photograph of RENEE FLEMING, modeling a silk scarf designed by Lee Allison. Inspired by the art deco design motifs in...

Sound bites.(Maria Bayo)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2002... Maria Bayo has managed to be polyglot in her musical choices, but her English isn't all she'd like it be--which leaves a choice of Spanish, German, Italian or French for an interview. "The next time you interview me," promises the Spanish...

Kids in a candy store. (A Singer's Diary).(opera recordings)(Panel Discussion)
October 1, 2002... What CDs appeal to the newest generation of opera-lovers? OPERA NEWS decided to consult some experts: four New York City voice students. The members of the quartet, chosen at random by their schools, were given a budget of $100 each to spend on...

Notes from the road: Barbara Bonney in Salzburg.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2002... For soprano Barbara Bonney, coming to Salzburg means coming home. "It's an obvious choice, simply because I studied here and I know this place like the back of my hand," she says. "The town is a perfect size. I'm a country girl, and I get so...

Voice of distinction: smart, sophisticated and opinionated, Anne Sofie von Otter has become a star by doing exactly what she wants. (Cover Story).(Interview)
October 1, 2002... Anne Sofie von Otter dwells on the artistic high ground. You find her name associated with serious repertoire and prestigious conductors. Versatile and intellectually curious, never resting on her laurels or coasting in tired vehicles, she is...

Dream plays: if you were producing a new opera recording, what would it be?
October 1, 2002... CORNELIA IREDELL: I'm still flogging the dead horse of a new Levine-led recording of Barber's Vanessa: Renee Fleming as Vanessa, with Susan Graham, Ian Bostridge and, as the Old Doctor, James Morris--and Rosalind Elias coming back as the...

A fresh take: Ramon Vargas is taking on arie antiche for a new BMG recording. How will he make the old sound new? Louise T. Guinther traveled to London to watch the tenor in action in the studio.
October 1, 2002... At Sony's London studios, the little cluster of chairs and music stands looks somewhat at sea on an expanse of wooden floor. Studio 1 can accommodate 100 musicians; tonight it holds only ten. Two portable humidifiers are working overtime next...

Undercover blues: just how hard are retailers working to sell opera recordings? To find out, Joanne Sydney Lessner went incognito to several of Manhattan's largest record stores.
October 1, 2002... My generation hit college just as the CD emerged, which set in motion a transfer of our purchasing practices from the local vendor to the newly ascendant chain stores to the internet. As comfortable as we've grown with cyberspace,...

Windows shopphing: for an inveterate record shopper, the internet holds a new world of CD temptations. Alan Wagner discovers the thrill of the chase on the web.
October 1, 2002... I am not only an opera nut but a record collector, and thus dually obsessed. Two closets and layers of shelves in five rooms are stuffed with recordings in every format, accumulated since my first 78rpm purchase in 1947. For me, recordings...

Blasts from the past: many stars from the early days of recording weren't "correct" singers by modern standards, but William R. Dunlop still finds them exhilarating listening.
October 1, 2002... OF COURSE, HE COULDN'T DO THAT TODAY... ... was the unanimous verdict of the three experts, engaged some years ago in a Saturday-afternoon Met broadcast intermission feature, after listening to Fernando de Lucia's recording of the Duke of...

Sight and sound.(audio equipment)(Buyers Guide)
October 1, 2002... After a dramatic recession, a crashing stock market and a seemingly endless string of corporate scandals, the last thing most music-lovers need is encouragement to purchase a new audio system. In these tough times, we thought it might prove...

Vivica Genaux.(Arias by Porpora, Hasse, Broschi Giacomelli)
October 1, 2002... Arias by Porpora, Hasse, Broschi Giacomelli. Akademie fur Alte Musik Berlin, Jacobs. Texts and translations. Harmonia Mundi HMC 901778 When the packaging of a compact disc is as sumptuous as this one's is, one approaches its performances...

Britten: The Turn of the Screw.
October 1, 2002... * Rodgers, Tierney, Henschel; Bostridge; Mahler Chamber Orch., Harding. Virgin Classics VC 5 455212 (2) Despite its unusual scoring (orchestra of thirteen, cast of five sopranos, one tenor) and structure (prologue and sixteen short scenes),...

Vivaldi: Farnace.
October 1, 2002... * Mingardo, Fernandez, Prina, Banditelli, Forte; Zanasi, Bettini; Le Concert des Nations, Savall. Text and translations. Alia Vox AV 9822 A/C (Harmonia Mundi, dist.) The fact that Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741) is recognized today largely on...

Kalman: Der Zigeunerprimas.
October 1, 2002... * McMahon, Lengfelder, Wright; Meachem, Glenn, Oliver, Maida, Woodward; Ohio Light Opera Orchestra, Thompson. English text. Troy 510 Since its inception in 1979, The Ohio Light Opera has presented dozens of operettas, both familiar and...

Handel: Tamerlano.
October 1, 2002... * Bacelli, Norberg-Schulz, Bonitatibus; Randle Pushee, Abete; The English Concert, Pinnock. Text and translations. AVIE 0001 (www.ludwigvanweb.com) To say that only recent events make this new recording of Handel's Tamerlano, an opera...

Melartin: Aino.
October 1, 2002... * Korhonen, Paasikivi, Freund; Tiilikainen, Alamikkotervo; Dominante Choir, Lahti Symphony Soderblom. Finnish libretto only. BIS 1193/94 (2) (Qualiton, dist.) Given the limited facilities for opera production in Finland at the time, it...

Faure: Requiem, Op. 48; Franck: Symphony in D.
October 1, 2002... * Zomer; S. Genz; La Chapelle Royale and Collegium Vocale Gent (Faure); Orchestre des Champs-Elysees, Herreweghe. Text and translation. Harmonia Mundi France HMC 901771 Positioned at the cusp of the twentieth century, Faure seems an...

Shostakovich: Complete Songs, Vol. 1.
October 1, 2002... * Evtodieva, Biryukova; Lukonin, Kuznetsov; Serov, piano. Transliterations and translations. Delos DE 3304 SHOSTAKOVICH: Complete Songs, Vol. 2 * Evtodieva, Sokolova; Kuznetsov; Kovalenko, violin; Molokina, cello; Serov, piano....

Renee Fleming.(BEL CANTO: Arias from La Sonnambula, Il Pirata, Maria Padilla, Lucrezia Borgia, Armida and Semiramide)
October 1, 2002... * "BEL CANTO" Arias from La Sonnambula, Il Pirata, Maria Padilla, Lucrezia Borgia, Armida and Semiramide. Orchestra of St. Luke's, Summers. Decca 467101 It's as if Lisa Della Casa had invaded the Callas repertoire--and succeeded. That is,...

Bernarda Fink.(SCHUMANN: Frauenliebe und -leben; Lenau-Lieder; Songs)
October 1, 2002... * "SCHUMANN" Frauenliebe und -leben; Lenau-Lieder; Songs. With Vignoles, piano. Texts and translations. Harmonia Mundi HMC 901753 From Lehmann and Ferrier to Ludwig, Baker and von Otter, Frauenliebe und -leben has never lacked excellent...

Ian Bostride.(The Noel Coward Songbook)
October 1, 2002... * "THE NOEL COWARD SONGBOOK" With Daneman; J. Tate, piano. Texts. EMI 557374 27 This album of songs by Noel Coward (1899-1973) represents a rather brave undertaking on the part of Ian Bostridge, who (to my knowledge) has little or no...

Wolfgang Holzmair.(Robert and Clara Schumann Lieder/Kerner Lieder)
October 1, 2002... * "ROBERT AND CLARA SCHUMANN LIEDER/KERNER LIEDER" With Cooper, piano. Texts and translations. Philips 462 610-2 On the recital stage, Austrian baritone Wolfgang Holzmair cuts a handsome if somewhat eccentric figure, deeply immersed in his...

Gerard Lesne.(Arias and cantatas by Johann Michael, Johann Christoph and Johann Sebastian Bach)
October 1, 2002... * "BACH" Arias and cantatas by Johann Michael, Johann Christoph and Johann Sebastian Bach. Il Seminario Musicale. Texts and translations. Naive Astree E8873 Alto Gerard Lesne, who got his start performing rock and electronic music, may not...

Tchaikovsky: the Queen of Spades.
October 1, 2002... * Derzhinskaya, Zlatogorova, Maksakova; Khanaev, Nortsov, Baturin; Bolshoi Opera (1940), Samosud. No text or translation. Opera d'Oro 1329 (3) (Allegro, dist.) Opera d'Oro's new issue adds a fine budget alternative to the discography of...

Marilyn Horne.(In Salzburg: Songs and arias by Vivaldi, Schubert, Handel, Bizet, Falla, Donizetti, Saint-Saens, Foster)
October 1, 2002... * "IN SALZBURG" Songs and arias by Vivaldi, Schubert, Handel, Bizet, Falla, Donizetti, Saint-Saens, Foster. Katz, piano. Texts and translations. VAI Audio VAIA 1207 When it comes to the sheer craft of singing, nobody knows her business...

October online edition of opera news.
October 1, 2002... A new performance of Mozart's Requiem, conducted by Herbert Handt; Richard Tucker in 1973 London La Juive; historic performances of Le Nozze di Figaro and Le Comte Ory; recitals by Elina Garanca, John Tomlinson, Andrew Shore and Alla Francesca;...

NPR world of opera presents Houston Grand Opera.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2002... BROADCAST OF OCTOBER 12, 1:30 RM. (ET) RIGOLETTO Music by Giuseppe Verdi Libretto by Francesco Maria Piave, after Victor Hugo's play Le Roi s'Amuse THE CAST (in order of vocal appearance) Duke of Mantua tenor,...

Aix-En-Provence.(France's oldest music festival )
October 1, 2002... In the past four years, France's oldest music festival has looked its youngest. When Stephane Lissner took over as managing director in 1998, a long-established star-oriented system was thrown out and replaced by a new one that prefers...

Vienna.(Der Riese vom Steinfeld)
October 1, 2002... Friedrich Cerha's new opera, Der Riese vom Steinfeld (The Giant of Steinfeld), commissioned by the Staatsoper, opened there on June 15 (heard June 24). Peter Turrini's libretto is based on the short, unhappy life of an Austrian country boy who...

London.(Royal Opera's Macbeth)
October 1, 2002... Phyllida Lloyd's production of Verdi's Macbeth, her first assignment for the Royal Opera, was originally due to have made its London bow in 1997, but scheduling problems and later the two-year closure period kept it from the Covent Garden stage...

Garsington.(Sarka)
October 1, 2002... Based at the late Lady Ottoline Morrell's former home, Garsington Manor, not far from Oxford, Garsington Opera often has presented rarities, including the U.K. premieres of works by Haydn, Rossini and Strauss. In its 2002 season--its...

Bregenz.(Greek Passion)
October 1, 2002... After success with Bohuslav Martinu's Greek Passion in 1999, Alfred Wopmann, in his penultimate season as intendant of the Bregenz Festival, opened the 2002 season (July 17) with Martinu's highly vexing Julietta, or the Dream Book, at the...

Wildbad.(Wildbad Festival )(Brief Article)
October 1, 2002... On July 13, Germany's Rossini in Wildbad Festival exhumed Rossini's Maometto II and Peter yon Winter's Maometto--Il Fanatismo, which since 1817, when it was performed at La Scala, had fallen into oblivion. In his day, Winter (1754-1825) was a...

Paris.(Il Barbiere di Siviglia)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2002... Coline Serreau's much-admired new production of Rossini's Il Barbiere di Siviglia for the Opera National got its first change of cast in June, bringing to the Bastille stage Sophie Koch (Rosina), Dalibor Jenis (Figaro), Bruce Ford (Almaviva),...

St. Petersburg.(Boris Godunov)
October 1, 2002... A few years ago, Valery Gergiev and the Mariinsky Theater recorded both versions of Boris Godunov, released in a single boxed set [Philips 462 230-2]. Inasmuch as the company's 1997 production of the opera followed the original 1869 text, one...

St. Louis.(Lucia di Lammermoor)
October 1, 2002... Blue-ribbon winner in Opera Theatre of Saint Louis's twenty-seventh season was the company's first Lucia di Lammermoor, given a strikingly imaginative production by Stefano Vizioli and conducted with barn-burner passion by Stephen Lord, OTSI's...

San Francisco.(Giulio Cesare)
October 1, 2002... Created for English National Opera in 1979, John Copley's production of Handel's Giulio Cesare has made appearances in Geneva, New York (at the Met) and at San Francisco Opera (in 1982, and again for this revival). Unfortunately, John Pascoe's...

New York City.
October 1, 2002... The first of Lincoln Center Festival's three productions exploring Asian themes was a reconception of Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman's Pacific Overtures (Avery Fisher Hall, July 9). This Japanese-language production (with English...

Letter from Rio.
October 1, 2002... For centuries, Rio de Janeiro was the cultural capital of Brazil, and in 1909 the city's Beaux Arts beauty, the Theatro Municipal, became the new temple of Brazil's operagoing public. All the Municipal's building materials came from Europe, as...

Obituaries.(Brief Article)(Obituary)
October 1, 2002... DORLE JARMEL SORIA, New York City, December 14, 1900--July 7, 2002 The French word animatrice would have been an apt description of Dorle Soria: she was someone who made things happen. For most of her life, she was close to the center of...

Mozart: Don Giovanni.
October 1, 2002... * Rey Bartoli, Nikiteanu; Sacca, Gilfry, Widmer, Polgar, Salminen; Chorus and Orchestra of Opernhaus Zurich, Harnoncourt, 2001. Arthaus Musik DVD 100329, 187 mins. (dist. Naxos) Mozart and da Ponte labeled Don Giovanni a "dramma...

Pierrot Lunaire; Dichterliebe.
October 1, 2002... * Schafer; Ensemble Intercontemporain, Boulez (Pierrot). Osterkorn, piano (Dichterliebe). Arthaus Musik DVD 100331, 126 mins. (dist. Naxos) Two postmodernist films by Oliver Herrmann, starring Christine Schafer, and a lengthy interview with...

Chaos and Dancing Star: Wagner's Politics, Wagner's Legacy.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2002... by Roy Pateman University Press of America, 367 pp. $47 There is a staggering amount of information in Roy Pateman's scholarly yet quirkily self-indulgent treatise on the politics and legacy of Richard Wagner. The English-born adjunct...

Cinema's Illusions, Opera's Allure.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2002... by David Schroeder Continuum Books, 372 pp. $35 David Schroeder's highly personal work, the latest addition to a growing list of books exploring the intimate connections between film and opera, does not attempt to provide a comprehensive...

Puccini: A Biography.
October 1, 2002... by Mary Jane Phillips-Matz Northeastern University Press, 336 pp. $30 Puccini: His Life and Works by Julian Budden Oxford University Press, 400pp. $40 Even though the works of Puccini have helped keep many an opera house running...

Dateline.
October 1, 2002... METROPOLITAN OPERA (Metropolitan Opera House, 212-362-6000; www.metopera.org) Oct. 1 Turandot (Puccini). Gruber, Hong; Galouzine, Tian; Rizzi, Zeffirelli/Kneuss, Zeffirelli/Anni & Saligeri Oct. 2 Elektra (R. Strauss). Polaski, Mattila,...

Guns n' Rosenkavalier. (Coda).(Guns N' Roses)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2002... At the precise cultural moment when countertenor-crazed operagoers are revisiting the eighteenth century, rock-music fans are reliving a more recent, if no less gilded age, the 1980s. Today's fashionable countertenor and the hardrock frontman...