What opera have you been listening to, lately?

[Ann Lander (sospiro)]

Yes, it's quite depressing, he used to be my favourite tenor, but I have lost all respect for him.

He's still popular with some punters but it annoys me that he's depriving up-and-coming young baritones of some popular roles.

[Soave_Fanciulla]

He's still popular with some punters but it annoys me that he's depriving up-and-coming young baritones of some popular roles.

So I'm looking at what's on at La Scala when I'm in Milan in September and it's Tamerlano... with Domingo singing Bajazet!!. I will try and get a ticket because I love the opera and Marianne Crebassa, and hope that the old dude is indisposed so we get Kresimir Spicer instead, who should be singing the whole run based on ability rather than name.

BTW Bajazet is a tenor role, so what the hell is going on?

[Florestan]

Still singing tenor for this (and definitely up in years) but sounds pretty good to me (sound clips):

[Soave_Fanciulla]

Still singing tenor for this (and definitely up in years) but sounds pretty good to me (sound clips):

Yes but that was recorded 17 years ago. All his other current roles are "baritone".

[Florestan]

Yes but that was recorded 17 years ago. All his other current roles are "baritone".

Right, that is why I noted tenor on this one. I have not heard his baritone, but 17 years beyond that picture and he is really getting up there.

[Florestan]

This is a wonderful and lively performance, rife with stage noise and I love it. If anyone wants this recording, don't get the release pictured as it is highly subject to CD bronzing damage (There is newer release with a different, ugly cover, though I have not heard it.).

[Florestan]

Awesome! I am about done with my first listen to disk #1 and all I can say is this is AWESOME!
Even though disk #1 has tracks from 1959, 1949, and 1978, all has very good sound. the other disks have similar date ranges.

[Soave_Fanciulla]

[Hoffmann]

Yesterday's walk - this must be Rossini's Grandaddy of all patter operas, but with JDF and a very good Annick Massis, I had a great time:





Then, today, I had to remind myself what Birgit Nilsson sounded like as Lady Macbeth - and love Thomas Schippers' conducting:

[Florestan]

Rheingold. Swarowsky. Really enjoying this one.
Swarowsky's ring has very clear, prominent vocals.

[Dichteurehalle]

Yesterday's walk - this must be Rossini's Grandaddy of all patter operas, but with JDF and a very good Annick Massis, I had a great time:

Oh, I love this one! Have you seen the video of the same production, with Olga Peretyatko? The countess manages to sing while maintaining the most ridiculous faces!

[Florestan]

Oh, I love this one! Have you seen the video of the same production, with Olga Peretyatko? The countess manages to sing while maintaining the most ridiculous faces!

Cecilia Bartoli can do that too; in fact she always does that!

[Soave_Fanciulla]

[Florestan]

Walkure on this is very good. Wonderful Wotan and Brunnhilda.
Might have to move this Ring cycle to the top of my list.



Here is the complete Walkure on You Tube if anyone would like to check it out:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIphNxoe8ic

[Florestan]