It's been a while.

So its been a while and things have been busy, but good.

The opera season at the Met is shaping up to be a good one. After the let down opening night, things bounced back with Der Rosenkavalier on October 16th. Renee Fleming, Susan Graham, and Miah Persson were all exemplary. Having never seen a Richard Strauss opera live, I didn't know how much I would enjoy it, but I have to say I was pleasantly suprised. The singing could not have been better.

Renee was the perfect Marschallin, dignified and regal. Her voice loves Strauss. The Marschallin's Act I monologue was a favorite, as she recounts how she will age. The sadness in Fleming's voice was very audible.

Susan Graham was woderful as Octavian, youthful, energetic, and funny. The presentation of the rose was beautifully sung while the start of Act III was wonderfully funny.

Miah Persson's beautiful, lyric voice was well suited to the role of Sophie. Best of all was the Act III trio, well worth the wait. The three blended beautifully, Fleming soaring above the orchestration.

Next up was Il Barbiere di Siviglia on October 31. My first time seeing Joyce DiDonato live and she is worth every penny. The way she handles the difficult Rossini coloratura is amazing, but more so how she puts so much feeling into the role. I have seen Rossina played as simply a light, fun loving girl who falls in love. Joyce gives it so much more. She feels every note, when she falls for Almaviva she loves him with her all. She explored all facets of the character. Una voce poco fa was fun loving and playful. Contro un cor was a highlight for me. Parts were playful, parts were full of longing; it was perfect.

Barry Banks did a commendable job as Count Almaviva. He has a bright, beautiful voice and he sings Rossini well. I felt his acting left a bit to be desired, but only a bit. He came into character fully in Act II, where he was funy and passionate. Cessa di più resistere was a highlight.

What a great opera; I'll never tire of it!

I had the oppportunity to meet Joyce backstage afterward and she is as bubbly offstage as on. It is always nice to learn that the person behind the character is lovely as well.

Tosca

In brief:

Monday night was opening night of the 2009-2010 season of the Metropolitan Opera.

It was a festive evening even if they didn't roll out the red carpet. Patricia Racette hosted the broadcast; Martha Stewart was there as well as opera legend Licia Albanese, Patricia Clarkson, Edward Norton, and rounding off the stars was a stunning looking Renee Fleming (great dress, great new hair!)

On to the performance: I give it a B- (pretty low for how enthusiastic I usually am)

James Levine was his energetic, fun filled self, keeping the orchestra in line.

Al the singers did a commendable job, with Alvarez being the highlight for me. His E lucevan le stelle was exceptionally beautiful and emotional.

Despite some good singing, the production fell flat. Poor directing flowed throughout the evening as well as disappointing sets. The jump at the end or lack thereof did the production in.

The evening ended with some excitement from the audience as a large percentage booed the production team. Two men next to me got in a fight which involved spitting, swearing and nearly ended in a fist fight. Who knew opera could be so intense!

Roundup

Haven't posted in a while, but things have been exciting, at least musically.

Renee Fleming did a wonderful job in Poèmes pour Mi by Messiaen at the opening of the NY Phil on Wednesday. Have a listen.



On th horizon...opening night at the Met Monday, stay tuned

Horse update

They are definitely growing and looking great!

Shae-If you're interested in Shae, she's for sale.

Galatea

Ashbrook

Thankful

Today and often recently I am inspired to express how thankful to God I am for everything. He is doing some amazing things in my life right now. You never now what is going to happen when you put your trust in Him. I look forward to see what else He brings.

More Mozart!

Mozart update: I've finished off Nehmt Meinen Dank satisfactorily and started on Voi avete un cor fedele. This has turned out to be such a fun and challenging piece. I'm only halfway through, but can't wait to tackle more.

2009-2010 Met Season

Well the tickets are here and this is how the season lines up for me.

September 21st-Opening Night-Tosca

September 30th-Die Zauberflote

October 16th-Der Rosenkavalier

October 19th-Der Rosenkavalier

October 30th-La Damnation de Faust

November 7th-Il Barbiere di Siviglia

December 11-Les Contes D'Hoffmann

January 15-Der Rosenkavalier

February 19th-La Fille Du Regiment

February 26th-I Barbiere di Siviglia

March 12-Atilla

April 16th-Armida

May 15-Armida

Hopefully I'll get to some othe things besides the Met as well, but this is a great start!

London etc.

It's been a while since I posted, but I've been busy. I've been to London and back, seen some great sites and watched two amazing performances of Renee Fleming in La Traviata (report to follow hopefully soon).

On the trip, which was quite a whirlwind, I visited the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and Covent Garden, toured the Royal Opera House (even watched the ballet troupe practice and heard a minute of Joyce DiDonato in rehearsal over the loud speaker), took a trip on the London eye (what a view!), went to church in Westminster Abbey, toured Bath, Stonehenge and Windsor Castle, and of course did some much needed shopping on Bond Street and Harrods.

Here are the highlights, including some great friends I got to catch up with.

Mozart here I come!

Well it's been a long while since I finished working on my Mozart lieder book and besides a few arias, my repertoire has been devoid of Mozart. It's been horrible; I've missed him so much.
Good news, today my Mozart concert arias book arrived. They look daunting, some of the longest phrases I have seen, but I can't wait!

On a side note I also just purchased ROH's recent production of Don Giovanni with Joyce DiDonato. While I'm not in love with teh whole cast, she is amazing; so fierce as Donna Elvira. Miah Persson makes a good Zerlina as well. I whole heartedly recommend it.

Happy Birthday!

Well summer is about to kick into high gear next week. In the mean time I'll relax and say happy birthday to Frederica von Stade!