It is Black History Month, a time to celebrate the achievements of the black community and how they have affected change around the world in all areas. The opera world is no exception with many great black artists dominating around the globe in the biggest theaters there are. As a month-long celebration, OperaWire will provide weekly features that embrace the {…}
Philip Glass is one of the most acclaimed composers of our time. The composer’s minimalist approach to composition balances the melodic with the arpeggiated rhythm. Most will say that his music all sounds the same but if you listen closely, you’ll discover the intricate melodies within the rhythmic structure. On Jan. 31, 1937 Phillip Glass turns 80 and OperaWire takes {…}
Mario Lanza was born on Jan. 31, 1921, but unfortunately lived just 38 years, dying in 1959. Everyone knows who Lanza is. Regardless of whether you go to the opera or not, the matinee idol’s sunshine voice is among the most recognizable in the history of the 20th century music. Lanza’s great face and our memory of his voice really {…}
Name your favorite Lady Macbeth from Verdi’s opera. Go ahead. I bet many of you threw around the name Maria Callas. Or Leonie Rysanek, Shirley Verrett or in modern times Anna Netrebko, Maria Guleghina or Liudmyla Monastyrska. How many of you had Mara Zampieri at the top of that list? For those of you who picked the Italian soprano, who {…}
The history of Mussorgsky’s famed “Boris Godunov” is quite extensive with many comparing it to Verdi’s “Don Carlo” in terms of its numerous versions. The truth is that the opera, like the Italian composer’s counterpart, has no definitive version. Mussorgsky originally released a version of the opera in 1869 but then went about revising it, expanding on musical material and {…}
Mozart’s operas are collections of some of the art form’s most iconic characters. A survey through the works of classical music’s most iconic creator, who turns 261 on Jan. 27, will reveal one complex being after another. The lengthy list is unlike any other in perhaps any art form. Every character shines brightly in a Mozart character, whether he be {…}
On Jan. 25, 1817 Rossini premiered one of his most famous works, “La Cenerentola.” The opera, which is based on the classic tale of Cinderella, has become a vehicle for tenors and mezzos to showcase their virtuosic abilities and it has also been a work that has inspired many directors to explore the fairy tale in very eccentric ways. However, it is {…}
For decades Marcello Giordani was a fixture at the Metropolitan Opera, taking on many of the classics of the operatic canon as well as some lesser known works. He made his debut in 1993 as Rodolfo in “La Bohème” and has gone on to sing over 200 performances. The tenor, who is celebrating his 54th birthday on Jan. 25, also {…}
On Jan. 24, 1835 Bellini premiered his final opera, “Puitani.” Despite being beloved for its beautiful melodies and incredible coloratura challenges, the opera is also known for its ludicrous story line. This season the Metropolitan Opera is presenting the work with an all star cast and a new diva. The Met has always used the opera as a showcase for {…}
