Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, born on August 28, 1749, is one of the great German writers in history. Unsurprisingly, his literary prowess has inspired a wide range of operatic works, many of which are staples of the canon. Here is a survey of operas based on the works of Goethe. Faust Goethe’s masterwork is undeniably the source of many operas. {…}
The 15th edition of the Festival d’Art Vocal de Montréal, as presented by the Institut Canadien d’Art Vocal (ICAV), has just announced its summer slate. The showcase, which runs between July 23 and August 10, is set to include a wide range of masterclasses, concerts, recitals, and a production of Massenet’s “Cendrillon.” Here is a breakdown of what is in {…}
Jules Massenet, born on May 12, 1842, is arguably the chameleon of all opera composers, his style evolving to suit the text rather than imposing a specific musical style to every work. This ability makes him, for many, the greatest French composer of opera to ever live. He studied under Ambroise Thomas in his youth, won the country’s top musical {…}
Jules Massenet is one of the great composers that can’t be called an auteur in the traditional sense. When you go to any performance of music by virtually any composer, you can pretty much guarantee that said composer’s voice will come through consistently even if the means or style deviates ever so slightly. Verdi remains Verdi whether you are listening to {…}
This Saturday, audiences around the world will get a chance to see Massenet’s “Cendrillon” in cinemas as part of the company’s famed Live in HD broadcast. The showcase kicks off at 12:25 p.m. EDT and will star Joyce DiDonato as Cendrillon, Kathleen Kim as La Fée, Alice Coote as the Prince, Stephanie Blythe as Madame de la Haltière, and Laurent {…}
First premiering at the Opera de Monte-Carlo on February 19, 1910, “Don Quichotte” is one of many adaptations drawing from Cervantes’ classic novel. Although prominent figures, such as Purcell and Strauss, have composed music to accompany performances of the famous tale, it is Massenet’s “Don Quichotte” that has enjoyed lasting success over the years. The work was composed at towards {…}
Premiering on February 16, 1892, at the Vienna State Opera, “Werther” is adapted from the novel “The Sorrows of Young Werther,” written by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Although the work would be later staged at the Opera-Comique in Paris, it was first rejected due to its serious tone and sullen protagonist. It wasn’t until the success of “Manon” that Massenet {…}
Massenet composed legions of operas. But “Manon” remains the most renowned of his works, presenting frequently all around the world to this very day. The opera had its world premiere on Jan. 19, 1884, and has never left the stage. Based on the Abbé Prévost’s famed novel from 1731, the opera takes liberties with the material, though the core of {…}
“The voice must be heard.” For the last two years, this has been the calling card for the Metropolitan Opera’s marketing department, a call to just come and listen to opera as it is intended to be. An invitation to experience something that can’t be experienced anywhere. For many, that tagline has been particularly emblematic of the vocal wizardry that {…}
This Saturday afternoon, Ailyn Pérez becomes just the sixth soprano in Metropolitan Opera history to take on the role of Massenet’s “Thaïs.” The opera doesn’t have a particularly massive history, sung just 73 times with the company in 100 years, the first performance coming all the way back in February 1917. Here is a look at all the other major {…}
When you come right down to it – French Grand Opera – is very grand. A large canvas, huge sets, wide-ranging costumes, display of various kinds, sweeping music, on occasion, and musical textures that vary and offer range of interest – plus human beings, who, set into this panorama – resume their rightful size: ordinary. What? We control our own {…}
