What opera have you been watching lately?

[Sonata]

[Soave_Fanciulla]

Otello from Teatro Real with Gregory Kunde, Ermonela Jaho, George Petean. Kunde had moments or sheer brilliance - brought me to tears in fact, but the part seems a size too big for him in the more declamatory sections.

[Soave_Fanciulla]

A very good production of Schreker's Die Gezeichneten from opera de Lyon - much better than the production currently available on DVD from Salzburg. Charles Workman (an underrated tenor) was brilliant in the main role of Alviano.

[Amfortas]

Otello from Teatro Real with Gregory Kunde, Ermonela Jaho, George Petean. Kunde had moments or sheer brilliance - brought me to tears in fact, but the part seems a size too big for him in the more declamatory sections.

The "Esultate" seemed a bit more powerful than I would have expected from him. I guess he's worked his way up to the role vocally, at least in part.

[Soave_Fanciulla]

The "Esultate" seemed a bit more powerful than I would have expected from him. I guess he's worked his way up to the role vocally, at least in part.

Yes, but he definitely started to sound a bit ragged at times. His solitary reflective moments were gorgeous though, very moving.

[Florestan]

[Amfortas]

^^^ A beautiful, traditional production, with some great singing (notably from James Morris). Still, every time I visualize Gary Lakes and Jessye Norman cavorting as the Wälsung twins, my heart yearns for Peter Hoffmann and Jeanine Altmeyer from the Chereau/Boulez.

[Florestan]

Walkure Act III was absolutely wonderful! Among the best I have ever seen in opera. Now I am beginning this:

[Soave_Fanciulla]

^^^ A beautiful, traditional production, with some great singing (notably from James Morris). Still, every time I visualize Gary Lakes and Jessye Norman cavorting as the Wälsung twins, my heart yearns for Peter Hoffmann and Jeanine Altmeyer from the Chereau/Boulez.

Definitely the most convincing twins in Ring DVD history.

[Hoffmann]

Still, every time I visualize Gary Lakes and Jessye Norman cavorting as the Wälsung twins

Yes, but Jessye Norman's German is nearly perfect...

Though, I would guess that the cavorting part might have been a bit of a challenge...

[Soave_Fanciulla]

Alcina from Madrid with Christine Rice, Karina Gauvin, Sonia Prina and Alan Clayton. Rather silly and disjointed production but worth a watch for Rice.

[Sonata]

I'm enoying this fun and fast-paced Falstaff
Verdi is so awesome.

[Soave_Fanciulla]

The flying Dutchman from Finnish National Opera on Opera Platform, in an intelligent Regie production by Kasper Holten. Singing also excellent. Worth a watch if you feel adventurous.

[MAuer]

That looks like Camilla Nylund as Senta. Definitely need to have a listen.

[Soave_Fanciulla]

That looks like Camilla Nylund as Senta. Definitely need to have a listen.

Yes, and she's great.