A cynical depiction of low-class misery and pessimistic determinism in the vein of Zola, “Il Tabarro” may read as a departure from the sympathetic backdrop of Imperial Japan, the mining camps of the western United States, or Bohemian Paris in the 1830s. Yet its musical ingredients leave plenty of room for the elatedness of Puccinian melodies and despite the unusually {…}
This week audiences will experience a wide array of new releases from complete opera recordings to solo albums to rarely performed pieces. Here is a look. Il Tabarro After an acclaimed “Cavalleria rusticana” recording, PENTATONE, Marek Janowski and the Dresdner Philharmonie release Puccini’s “Il Tabarro.” The new recording features Melody Moore as Giorgetta, Brian Jagde as Luigi, and Lester Lynch {…}
No doubt the legacy of “Cavalleria Rusticana” is reaching far back into the history of recording; from the 1909 version of the Odeon Orchestra to the milestones of the LP era. Its prominence has not even slowed with the advent of the compact disc or indeed the reprinting of forgotten lore, including the 1938 performance of Lina Bruna Rasa. One {…}
This week as you continue at home, there are a number of new albums that you can check out. Here are the latest releases we recommend you listen to. Cavalleria Rusticana Marek Janowski and the Dresdner Philharmonie present a new recording of Mascagni’s masterpiece. The new recording brings together an acclaimed group of soloists Melody Moore as Santuzza, Brian Jagde {…}
(credit: Jiyang Chen) Bard College Conservatory Orchestra is set to perform a semi-staged rendition of Strauss’s famed “Salome” on April 3 and 5, 2020. The work, which was written by Lachmann, will be directed by R. B. Schlather with Leon Botstein conducting the Bard Conservatory Orchestra. Melody Moore will headline the production and will be joined by Jay Hunter Morris {…}
(credit: Jiyang Chen) Opera Naples has announced its casting for its final production of the 2019-20 season. The company has revealed that Norwegian conductor Rune Bergmann will lead Mozart and Da Ponte’s “Don Giovanni” on April 29 and 30, 2002 at the Artis-Naples Center. In the title role, audiences will hear Xiaomeng Zhang. David Crawford will appear as Leporello with {…}
(Credit: Claire McAdams / Vanessa Preziose) Most people recognize that there is a major world premiere taking place this weekend. But the reality is that there are two. The weekend is also full of appetizing offerings and this weekend’s selections come down to a mix of classics with star casts as well as a Spanish-language masterpiece that undeniably deserves greater {…}
The Houston Grand Opera has announced a cast change for its upcoming production of Verdi’s “Aida.” The company announced that mezzo-soprano Michaela Martens, scheduled to sing the role of Amneris in Verdi’s Aida, has withdrawn from the production due to personal reasons. As a result, renowned soprano Melody Moore and Catherine Martin will takeover the run. Moore will make her {…}
The Seattle Opera has announces its 2020-21 season featuring an all-star lineup and some ambitious productions. Here is a look: The season opens with the double bill of “Cavalleria Rusticana” and “Pagliacci” with Gregory Kunde headlining both productions in a rare U.S. appearance. He will share the run with Arsen Soghomonyan. Melody Moore and Marcy Stonikas will share the role {…}
(Credit: Arielle Doneson / Nicolas Phan Facebook / Jiyang Chen) Tenor Nicholas Phan has co-curated “Emerging Voices” with the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society. The event kicks off on Jan. 13, 2020 and runs through the 24. The event features a total of six concerts as well as a number of world premieres by such composers as Nicolas Bacri, Iva Bittová, {…}
Three new releases will be seen this week featuring some rarely performed works. La Donna Serpente Piero Pretti, Carmela Remigio, Erika Grimaldi, Francesca Sassu, Anna Maria Chiuri, and Roberto de Candia star in a Alfredo Casella’s opera conducted by Gianandrea Noseda. Naxos releases the production from the Teatro Regio di Torino. Eduardo e Cristina Naxos releases the rarely performed Rossini {…}