

Scandinavian Starlight: Lise Davidsen in Recital at the Met Opera
The recital left the overall impression of a solid and earnest singer with strong ambitions that may well be fulfilled in the march of time.
The recital left the overall impression of a solid and earnest singer with strong ambitions that may well be fulfilled in the march of time.
Following an unfortunate trend in European stage production, Warlikowski reduces Macbeth to a psychiatric diagnosis, with the characters exploring their pathologies in the confines of a mental institution.
Rigoletto has “all the characteristics of a perfect film noir”— seduction, murder, anonymous identities, spooky nocturnal settings, casual violence, unapologetic brutality, and, when done right, some dark humor.
The message Monteverdi wants to deliver is clear: “I master all techniques and styles, from the most learned ‘stile antico’ to the most modern styles.” Not surprisingly, a contemporary described him as “the greatest composer in Italy.” As far as I am concerned, he could have added: “of all time.”
In program interviews, director Marcin Łakomicki and conductor Markus Stenz suggest that Holländer is really about sexism in modern society and a reinforcement of gender roles. A modern European man educated in what passes for the humanities today might think so. But the deeper contexts are ignored.
Tiezzi’s production eschews the interpretive fripperies and psychological baggage common in contemporary Wagner productions in favor of appealing abstractions.
Andrea Chénier‘s high melodrama and appealing theme of feminine self-sacrifice has proved more lasting and appealing than the true story it is based on—but this is how opera thrives.
Bernanos and Poulenc dare us to ask why men of differing opinions would condemn their fellow men to death, leading to new waves of chaos and destruction.
On opening night, Cecilia Bartoli was awarded Austria’s highest operatic honor, the title of Kammersängerin by the Austrian government.
MasterVoices does not appear to be planning any Gilbert and Sullivan next season, but it should consider exploring that repertoire as it moves on. Events in Britain might just demand it.