opera | The European Conservative

A Macbeth Signifying Nothing on the Salzburg Stage

Paul du Quenoy August 17, 2023

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 in Ruins: Rome’s Teatro dell’Opera Moves to its Summer Stage

Paul du Quenoy August 12, 2023

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.

Vivaldi and Others: Claudio Monteverdi—The First Grand Master of Opera

Kees Vlaardingerbroek July 23, 2023

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.”

An Out-of-Place Dutchman Sails into Venice

Paul du Quenoy July 22, 2023

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.

A Promising Role Debut Puts Teatro San Carlo’s Die Walküre on the Map

Paul du Quenoy July 4, 2023

Tiezzi’s production eschews the interpretive fripperies and psychological baggage common in contemporary Wagner productions in favor of appealing abstractions.

Revolutionary Dreams: Splendid Revival of Andrea Chénier at La Scala

Paul du Quenoy June 23, 2023

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.

Dialogues des Carmélites: A Stupendous Revival in Vienna

Gregor Dekleva June 10, 2023

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.

Cecilia Bartoli Honored at the Premiere of Orfeo ed Euridice in Salzburg

Gregor Dekleva June 4, 2023

On opening night, Cecilia Bartoli was awarded Austria’s highest operatic honor, the title of Kammersängerin by the Austrian government.

Celebrating the Coronation Without the Quiche: A Solid Iolanthe Brings Royal Overtones to New York

Paul du Quenoy May 16, 2023

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.

Norma Lacks a Flame

Paul du Quenoy May 7, 2023

Sonya Yoncheva lacked that flame in crucial moments, though comparative listening across performances suggests that Maurizio Benini’s pedestrian conducting may well have been the culprit.

Tag: opera

A Macbeth Signifying Nothing on the Salzburg Stage

Rigoletto in Ruins: Rome’s Teatro dell’Opera Moves to its Summer Stage

Vivaldi and Others: Claudio Monteverdi—The First Grand Master of Opera

An Out-of-Place Dutchman Sails into Venice

A Promising Role Debut Puts Teatro San Carlo’s Die Walküre on the Map

Revolutionary Dreams: Splendid Revival of Andrea Chénier at La Scala

Dialogues des Carmélites: A Stupendous Revival in Vienna

Cecilia Bartoli Honored at the Premiere of Orfeo ed Euridice in Salzburg

Celebrating the Coronation Without the Quiche: A Solid Iolanthe Brings Royal Overtones to New York

Norma Lacks a Flame

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