In this lilting favorite, Musetta makes an outrageous statement. Savoring the words helps to put it across.
A young soprano found herself behind the scenes at the opera premiere of the year.
Renée Fleming’s new recital sounds as good as it looks. Also, here is a great new La Favorite and an historical Samson et Dalila.
In overcoming his self-inflicted impediments to success – a bad attitude and even worse behavior – baritone Mark Delavan paved the way for his greatest triumphs.
Not willing to shell out your hard-earned cash for those multi-disc boxed sets? CS’s Nick Limansky suggests some very satisfying operas and recitals each contained on a single CD.
Heggie: Dead Man Walking, Debussy: Pelléas et Mélisande
Richard Westenburg and his Musica Sacra share an unbroken tradition unique in New York City: Thirty years of all-professional performances of this greatest of oratorios. Here are his thoughts on what makes a successful Messiah.
When snoring and sleep apnea take their toll, the afflicted sleeper isn’t the only victim. Snoring is primarily a nuisance, but the condition of sleep apnea can actually be life threatening.
Just as teachers, classical singers and listeners were beginning to get it right, a new specter appeared: “ Audio Enhancement,” a microphone at the opera. The author argues, passionately and reasonably, against this newest barrier between artist and auditor.
When Christoph Willibald Gluck, in 1762, sought to clean up what he felt were the excesses of opera — the florid vocal displays, the endless da capo repetitions — he
No matter which side of the footlights you’re on, understanding Da Ponte’s ironical interweaving of myths of the classic past brings an enhanced enjoyment and depth to Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro.
It brings personal rewards and satisfaction to those who possess it. It gives pleasure to the listener. But sometimes the gifted are called upon to bestow something else: Comfort for the bereaved
