There is a perception that if you don’t sing an E flat at the end of the mad scene in “Lucia di Lammermoor,” you don’t have the voice for Donizetti’s virtuoso singing. But this is a false tradition that has been implanted in opera lover’s minds for too long. I once witnessed an important diva who sang a performance of Lucia {…}
Joan Sutherland is considered one of the greatest sopranos of all time. Known as “La Stupenda,” Sutherland commanded the stage with her powerful voice, accurate intonation, thrilling high notes, and her impeccable coloratura. Throughout her career, she brought numerous roles to the forefront from a varied repertoire including the Bel canto, verismo, French, and baroque. The following are four roles {…}
“Lucia di Lammermoor” is one of opera’s undisputed staples. The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden will be bringing back the work on Oct. 30, 2017, for an eight-performance run starring the great American soprano Lisette Oropesa in Katie Mitchell’s sexy and bloody production. When one thinks of “Lucia” at the Royal Opera House, it is impossible to disassociate the opera {…}
A Metropolitan Opera season will start with Bellini’s “Norma” for the third time in its history when Sondra Radvanovsky, who conquered the role at the Met a few years back, takes it on on Sept. 25, 2017. Radvanovsky will join a long line of famous sopranos that have taken on the opera with the company, beginning with Lilli Lehman, who {…}
This week three star-studded DVD will invade markets. The first stars Joan Sutherland and Alfredo Kraus while the other stars Plácido Domingo in a signature role. Finally, audiences will get to see rising star Aida Garifullina in one of her early triumphs. Sutherland’s “Lucrezia Borgia” The premiere release of the week is Joan Sutherland’s acclaimed “Lucrezia Borgia.” Opus Arte is releasing the historic performance {…}
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 {…}
Rudolf Bing’s name towers in the world of opera. The Austrian-born impresario, born on January 9, 1902, has an enduring legacy, in many ways tainted by the scandals and feuds Bing was known to have with the opera’s greatest figures and lesser-known figures during many of the company’s most tumultuous years. But to see the general manager who wielded his {…}
December 26 marks the premiere of three major operas of the Bel canto repertoire. Donizetti’s “Anna Bolena” premiered the day after Christmas in 1830 while his “Lucrezia Borgia” premiered in 1833 of that same date. Meanwhile, Bellini’s “Norma” premiered on the 26th of December in 1831. All three works share similarities in that they are some of the most difficult works {…}
With the holiday season upon us, it is no surprise that the major music publishers have saved some of their most hotly anticipated titles for the last weeks of the year. This week features releases from such superstars as Anna Netrebko, Jonas Kaufmann, and the late Joan Sutherland. Here is a look at the releases you can expect between December {…}