Most musicologists concur that Handel did a major cut and paste job on “Rinaldo,” as more than two thirds of the score was cribbed from earlier compositions. There are also three versions of this tremendously successful opera from 1711, 1717 and 1731. Depending on singers’ availability and vocal condition, innumerable nips and tucks occurred at almost all 53 performances during Handel’s {…}
“Tosca” is probably the greatest diva in the opera canon. The role is so iconic that most sopranos dream of performing it at some points in their respective careers. The work combines rich music with one of the most suspenseful acts in all of opera. It gives opportunities to sopranos to show off their vocal fireworks as well as their {…}
Oper Frankfurt has announced its 2018-19 season, featuring 14 new productions, a number of revivals and recitals. The season will feature a number of Frankfurt premieres and one world premiere. Here is a look at what to expect. New Productions Peter Eötvös ‘s “Tri sestry” gets its first Frankfurt performances in a new production by Dorothea Kirschbaum. The unique opera, {…}
There may be no more haunting work in opera than Benjamin Britten’s “Peter Grimes,” the story of an outsider accused twice of murder by his community. It has been called the greatest British opera that has ever been written by director Keith Warner, who helmed Oper Frankfurt’s current production of this spellbinding work. “Peter Grimes” is based on an early {…}
“Eugene Onegin” by Tchaikovsky is based on the novel by the same name by the great Russian poet Alexander Pushkin, whose writings centered around the title character. But what of the equally important perspective of Tatiana, the woman in love with Onegin before he shatters her dreams? In the production of “Onegin” performed by Oper Frankfurt seen Friday night, the {…}
Piotr Beczala takes on the role of Massenet’s “Werther” on Sunday, Jan. 15, 2017, kick starting the Gran Teatre del Liceu’s run of the famed opera. Beczala took on the challenging role in Salzburg in August 2015 before reprising it at the Opéra National de Paris exactly one year ago. His return to the role on Sunday will be the {…}
