http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/-t1.htm Opera news and reviews from around the world Thu, 27 Aug 2009 23:10:36 GMT 10 http://illiweb.com/fa/prosilver/site_logo.gif http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/-t1.htm http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/macbeth-at-edinburgh-festival-t85.htm Anonymous Your reviewer suggested Tenor Lado Ataneli stole the show (concert perforamnce of Macbeth at Edinburgh Festival). The role of macbeth in Verdis opera is of course written for a baritone and fortunately Lado Ataneli is a baritone. She also seems unaware that Verdi said there were three main characters - macbeth, lady macbeth and the witches. The Edinburgh housewives who made up the distaff side of the Edinburgh Festival Chorus sang as if they were witches on a daily basis. Magnificent ! Opera Thu, 27 Aug 2009 23:10:36 GMT http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/macbeth-at-edinburgh-festival-t85.htm#302 http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/macbeth-at-edinburgh-festival-t85.htm http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/la-traviata-with-renee-fleming-in-cinemas-t76.htm alliliv In case anyone wanted to see The Royal Opera's La Traviata with Renee Fleming but missed out on tickets to Covent Garden, you might be interested to know that the performance on 30th June (7pm) will be relayed live into over 150 UK/European cinemas. Additional cast including tenor Joseph Calleja and baritone Thomas Hampson and the performance will be shown in High Definition quality via satellites and digital cinema. Cinemas including Vue, Odeon, Picturehouses, Everyman and others will ... Opera Tue, 09 Jun 2009 11:22:07 GMT http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/la-traviata-with-renee-fleming-in-cinemas-t76.htm#285 http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/la-traviata-with-renee-fleming-in-cinemas-t76.htm http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/voigt-cancels-tosca-performances-t80.htm sans Rumour has it that Deborah Voigt has pulled out of all Tosca performances, with Nelly Miricioiu taking on some or all performances, anyone have a definate answer, ROH press page mentions nothing at present. Opera Sat, 27 Jun 2009 02:15:14 GMT http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/voigt-cancels-tosca-performances-t80.htm#295 http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/voigt-cancels-tosca-performances-t80.htm http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/munich-lohengrin-t82.htm john.aitken I was suprised to read Marc Brooks' review of Lohengrin, in which he complains about Jonas Kaufmann's voice. Goodness knows where he was sitting in the opera house to make such an observation - although Munich does have some difficult seats for sound quality. I attended the second and third performances of the production, and sitting in the stalls, can only say that Mr Kaufmann exceeded all expectation with the quality of his singing. Over the last ten years when I have been listening to him ... Opera Fri, 17 Jul 2009 20:49:35 GMT http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/munich-lohengrin-t82.htm#298 http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/munich-lohengrin-t82.htm http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/rossini-il-barbiere-di-siviglia-joyce-didonato-s-sprained-ankle-t81.htm sans
http://www.yankeediva.blogspot.com/]]> Opera Sun, 05 Jul 2009 14:20:33 GMT http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/rossini-il-barbiere-di-siviglia-joyce-didonato-s-sprained-ankle-t81.htm#297 http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/rossini-il-barbiere-di-siviglia-joyce-didonato-s-sprained-ankle-t81.htm http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/didn-t-get-flying-dutchman-tickets-t22.htm serxes
Interested to hear similar views]]> Opera Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:45:23 GMT http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/didn-t-get-flying-dutchman-tickets-t22.htm#98 http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/didn-t-get-flying-dutchman-tickets-t22.htm http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/der-freischutz-baden-baden-t75.htm chris weeks The Arte-tv live broadcast of Der Freischutz from Baden Baden on 1 June (which was stunning) contained a spoken dialogue during the second interval. Can anyone provide the source? Opera Wed, 03 Jun 2009 10:46:01 GMT http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/der-freischutz-baden-baden-t75.htm#283 http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/der-freischutz-baden-baden-t75.htm http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/mariinsky-ring-t72.htm jflatter Having heard the news about the above. I was initially excited that there was going to be a Ring in London a lot earlier than expected. However I was told by someone who went to the Cardiff Ring that the playing by the orchestra was amazing but the singers were patchy and because they are all on consecutive nights there is loads of double casting. Does anyone else have some thoughts to offer on this or did anyone see the Cardiff Ring? Opera Mon, 02 Mar 2009 12:07:52 GMT http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/mariinsky-ring-t72.htm#275 http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/mariinsky-ring-t72.htm http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/an-opera-house-for-manchester-t30.htm Dominic McHugh http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2008/sep/24/classicalmusicandopera]]> Opera Mon, 20 Oct 2008 10:55:08 GMT http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/an-opera-house-for-manchester-t30.htm#116 http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/an-opera-house-for-manchester-t30.htm http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/die-tote-stadt-at-the-royal-opera-house-t65.htm Dominic McHugh Covent Garden has just staged Korngold's Die tote Stadt for the first time. Any reactions? Here are a couple of reviews: http://www.musicalcriticism.com/opera/roh-tote-0109.shtml http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/stage/opera/article5601854.ece I must say that I wasn't convinced of the quality of the piece, but others seemed to enjoy themselves. Opera Wed, 28 Jan 2009 10:00:43 GMT http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/die-tote-stadt-at-the-royal-opera-house-t65.htm#259 http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/die-tote-stadt-at-the-royal-opera-house-t65.htm http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/opera-review-of-the-year-t58.htm Dominic McHugh Place your suggestions here for your favourite opera productions/performances/performers/conductors of 2008... Opera Sat, 13 Dec 2008 23:11:56 GMT http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/opera-review-of-the-year-t58.htm#237 http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/opera-review-of-the-year-t58.htm http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/eno-s-new-la-boheme-cancelled-due-to-snow-t66.htm Anonymous
The ROH has also cancelled tonight's performance of Die tote Stadt, and many West End shows have cancelled tonight, too.]]> Opera Mon, 02 Feb 2009 15:36:47 GMT http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/eno-s-new-la-boheme-cancelled-due-to-snow-t66.htm#263 http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/eno-s-new-la-boheme-cancelled-due-to-snow-t66.htm http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/the-magic-flute-eno-revival-t62.htm Dominic McHugh http://www.musicalcriticism.com/opera/eno-flute-0109.shtml

Has anyone else seen this? Reactions?]]> Opera Sun, 25 Jan 2009 20:50:30 GMT http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/the-magic-flute-eno-revival-t62.htm#254 http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/the-magic-flute-eno-revival-t62.htm http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/opera-clips-on-youtube-post-your-links-here-t55.htm operaspark I'm hoping this will be a lively topic where we can discuss various opera singers past and present and a variety of different operas. I'm always on youtube looking up clips of arias, selections from operas and particular singers and i thought in this topic we could share some of the videos we find. So if you happen to come accross a particular opera video on youtube you find interesting then post it as a reply in this topic for the rest of us to discuss. Obviously we will all ... Opera Thu, 27 Nov 2008 16:26:09 GMT http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/opera-clips-on-youtube-post-your-links-here-t55.htm#203 http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/opera-clips-on-youtube-post-your-links-here-t55.htm http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/les-contes-d-hoffmann-t50.htm Dominic McHugh Anyone going to see this tonight? Opera Tue, 25 Nov 2008 14:06:32 GMT http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/les-contes-d-hoffmann-t50.htm#179 http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/les-contes-d-hoffmann-t50.htm http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/riders-to-the-sea-t56.htm StephenG Has anyone out there seen ENO's new Riders to the Sea? I though it was very poor, notwithstanding the excellent Sibelius addition, but much of the reviews seem to contradict my reaction (www.musicalcriticism.com/opera/eno-riders-1108.shtml). Any thoughts? I'm aware it is a very sensitive subject considering the very sad death of Richard Hickox last week, he was after all due to conduct the production as you're all probably aware, but I tried to react as neutrally as I could to the actual performance. Opera Wed, 03 Dec 2008 20:40:17 GMT http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/riders-to-the-sea-t56.htm#227 http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/riders-to-the-sea-t56.htm http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/don-giovanni-online-t32.htm Dominic McHugh http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/19/arts/music/19arts-DONGIOVANNIF_BRF.html?_r=2&ref=music&oref=slogin&oref=slogin

Has anyone watched this online? Any comments?]]> Opera Mon, 20 Oct 2008 20:55:59 GMT http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/don-giovanni-online-t32.htm#119 http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/don-giovanni-online-t32.htm http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/matilde-di-shabran-t37.htm hugo http://www.musicalcriticism.com/opera/roh-matilde-1008.shtml. Has anyone else seen it yet or have any comments? The ROH website seemed to be down for a bit this morning but I think I'm going to see if I can get a ticket...]]> Opera Fri, 24 Oct 2008 11:04:18 GMT http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/matilde-di-shabran-t37.htm#129 http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/matilde-di-shabran-t37.htm http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/boris-godunov-t44.htm Dominic McHugh A bit of a muted reaction to ENO's new Boris, so I was wondering what audiences thought about it? I hasten to add, I haven't seen it. Opera Thu, 20 Nov 2008 11:26:04 GMT http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/boris-godunov-t44.htm#161 http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/boris-godunov-t44.htm http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/la-calisto-t14.htm Dominic McHugh I'd be interested to hear the reactions of anyone who saw this. It's interesting that The Times gave it 5 stars and raved, while the Independent gave it only 3 and the Telegraph wasn't that positive about it. Having been disappointed with Ivor Bolton's two previous visits to Covent Garden and not being a fan of this kind of production, I have no plans to see it, but the cast is undeniably attractive and it's good to have something a bit different on at the ROH. I was interested ... Opera Thu, 25 Sep 2008 10:09:46 GMT http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/la-calisto-t14.htm#58 http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/la-calisto-t14.htm http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/review-of-partenope-t34.htm serxes Hi as I promised here is my review of ENO's new production of Handel's Partenope which I saw last Saturday night. I will begin with the positive, which is that has some of the best handelian singers you are likely to see this year. Firstly Rosemary Joshua was vocally stunning, rich melting tones and voluptous vocall accomplishment, and very good coloratura. The role of the seductive and wilful Neapolitan queen pitting her suitors against each other fitted her like a glove, and and she looked ... Opera Tue, 21 Oct 2008 19:29:23 GMT http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/review-of-partenope-t34.htm#121 http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/review-of-partenope-t34.htm http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/opera-holland-park-2009-t28.htm Dominic McHugh
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/news/ohp-bonynge-1008.shtml

I must say, it's an impressive start to the season for the company - good opera, good conductor, good cast and good director.]]> Opera Mon, 20 Oct 2008 10:01:22 GMT http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/opera-holland-park-2009-t28.htm#114 http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/opera-holland-park-2009-t28.htm http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/handel-s-partenope-t21.htm Dominic McHugh Anyone seen this yet? Opera Fri, 10 Oct 2008 20:14:48 GMT http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/handel-s-partenope-t21.htm#95 http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/handel-s-partenope-t21.htm http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/don-gio-cast-b-t18.htm alfredogermont any comments after Don Giovanni (CAST B) at ROH ? Opera Tue, 30 Sep 2008 16:44:01 GMT http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/don-gio-cast-b-t18.htm#85 http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/don-gio-cast-b-t18.htm http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/la-fanciulla-del-west-at-covent-garden-t9.htm Dominic McHugh I know it's a favourite for many people, but in spite of the fine orchestral writing I can never get to grips with La fanciulla del West. The Wild West cliches, the wafer-thin plot and characters, and the slow pacing of the whole are just insurmountable for me. I can imagine the three acts being condensed into a brilliant three-scene one-act hour-long opera, but I don't find the same quality as in most of Puccini's other works; I even prefer Manon Lescaut and La rondine, both of which are maligned ... Opera Wed, 17 Sep 2008 00:28:05 GMT http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/la-fanciulla-del-west-at-covent-garden-t9.htm#19 http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/la-fanciulla-del-west-at-covent-garden-t9.htm http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/applause-at-live-relays-t6.htm Mike Reynolds The relay to Snape Maltings of 'Don Giovanni' featured that emerging dilemma for audiences watching a screening - to applaud or not to applaud when the live audience is doing so. What is happening elsewhere? It seems obvious that if you really enjoy a passage, you should applaud - but lots of people seem shy of doing so! Is a trend emerging - what are other people's experiences? Opera Sat, 13 Sep 2008 12:44:16 GMT http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/applause-at-live-relays-t6.htm#6 http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/applause-at-live-relays-t6.htm http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/cav-and-pag-t13.htm Dominic McHugh
I must say that for me, Pagliacci was vastly superior to Cavalleria rusticana.

I'm suprised that a couple of the newspapers have given it 3 stars but not really stated the noticeable difference in quality between the two.

It'll be interesting to see the revival of Barber of Seville tonight!]]> Opera Mon, 22 Sep 2008 15:37:59 GMT http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/cav-and-pag-t13.htm#38 http://musicalcriticism.forumotion.net/opera-f6/cav-and-pag-t13.htm