What opera have you been listening to, lately?

[Ann Lander (sospiro)]

It's so long since I listened to this that there was still the 80s foam padding in it that has now disintegrated into a thousand sticky bit. Great rendition of Dulcamara's patter song, and of course the lovely José .

Donizetti: L'elisir d'amore
Katia Ricciarelli (Adina), Susanna Rigacci (Giannetta), José Carreras (Nemorino), Leo Nucci (Belcore), Domenico Trimarchi (Dulcamara)
Orchestra Sinfonica Della Rai Di Torino, Coro della RAI di Torino, Claudio Scimone

This was the only version I had for ages* and absolutely love it. I listened to it over and over and over!



*until I joined That Other Place and became convinced that I needed 14 versions of every opera ever written (slight exaggeration but you know what I mean)

[Florestan]

I'm so glad you are expanding your Verdi horizons and picked up that Boccanegra set!

I'm expanding my horizons with more Strauss viewing (I own several Strauss operas and have listened to most of what I have but don't know them well yet):

Arabella:

Oh they have this one at Dearborn Music for $10.99 and with the sale it would be $9.32 out the door (6% sales tax). I should kick myself for not buying it? Sale runs to 31 Jan. All I have to do is call and they will hold it for me. They also had the Bartered Bride Smetana with Lucia Popp for around $8 but I much prefer the one with Benackova.

[Florestan]

[Sonata]

My new purchase queued up on my phone for today


Strauss: Die ägyptische helena

[Amfortas]

Oh they have this one at Dearborn Music for $10.99 and with the sale it would be $9.32 out the door (6% sales tax). I should kick myself for not buying it? Sale runs to 31 Jan. All I have to do is call and they will hold it for me.

If you're in the Arabella market, I like this one as well.

[Florestan]

If you're in the Arabella market, I like this one as well.

I have been keeping this one in the background as it is another costly endeavor if I get into it. Now I see potentially three to get.

[Florestan]

A fine Tristan from my 43-CD Complete Wagner Operas set:

[Ann Lander (sospiro)]

Two to accompany the trip to the shops.

One old favourite ...



... and one from my ULP



I really liked it, especially Milnes and Ghiaurov.

[Soave_Fanciulla]

[Florestan]

[Florestan]

[Hoffmann]

Last night, I was reading "The Fantastic Mr. Fox" by Roald Dahl to my children.

I know it's not opera, but don't forget this wonderful film by Wes Anderson:


https://www.amazon.com/Fantastic-Mr-...ntastic+mr+fox

[Hoffmann]

I'm looking in Hokkaido, the northern most island. They have cricket clubs in the southern islands, established over a century ago but Japan are on such a low tier in international cricket, they might need another century or two to catch up.

On the good news, there is a city building a new symphony hall that could also be used for opera. I think it will be ready in 2 years if build goes according to plan. I'm sure they will have the biggest stars there for the opening season.

In the meantime, no more live performances for me, just my good old tea cabinet's contents.

Attachment 11360

What would you do with the tea cabinets and contents if you move?


I thought of you while I tried to watch a cricket game on tv in the hotel bar in New Delhi, and, um ...

[Hoffmann]

I hadn't listened to this in forever - despite how beloved it is, I always considered it lesser Rossini. This, however, is wonderful and Teresa Berganza is in great voice.

[Hoffmann]

I think I had listened to this only once after I first bought it a number of years ago - my ear wasn't yet really acclimated to the 'vintage' pre-stereo sound of this 1952 recording.

Callas' Lady Macbeth is stunning and fearless.