What opera have you been listening to, lately?

[Florestan]

1961:

[Sonata]

Wagner: Der Ring Des Nibelungen
Solti


Rheingold was yesterday, and I'm just now completing Act I of Walkure. I've shied away from the whole Solti Ring in the past (in spite of having and liking Rheingold) because I tend to avoid more bombastic style of conducting. I have to admit though I am really loving this listen to Solti's Ring so far. No offense intended to Barenboim, but I wish I had gone this route for my first Ring instead. This listen is holding up well to my favorite Ring (Karajan)

[Florestan]

There is an interesting discussion of Bellini and this opera beginning at 1:24:37 and running about 17 minutes.

[Florestan]

Awesome Tristan recording! Stemme is wonderful! Arrived today and I am very happy for that!

[Hoffmann]

I've undertaken a series of acupuncture treatments to see if they might improve a longstanding chronic condition. I wasn't quite sure what to expect, except that the needles don't hurt. That's generally true, but I also discovered that the acupuncturist, after placing the needles, then leaves the patient alone for 20 minutes. That's fine - but I discovered that it is difficult to lie prone for 20 minutes without moving. When I shifted position - even slightly - I could feel every needle. So, yesterday, I brought my Airpods and listened to Vivaldi - and was able to relax without changing position. A world of difference.

[Luiz Gazzola (Almaviva)]

I've undertaken a series of acupuncture treatments to see if they might improve a longstanding chronic condition. I wasn't quite sure what to expect, except that the needles don't hurt. That's generally true, but I also discovered that the acupuncturist, after placing the needles, then leaves the patient alone for 20 minutes. That's fine - but I discovered that it is difficult to lie prone for 20 minutes without moving. When I shifted position - even slightly - I could feel every needle. So, yesterday, I brought my Airpods and listened to Vivaldi - and was able to relax without changing position. A world of difference.

Vivaldi + acupuncture: the newest treatment. Can I patent it? I might make some money. LOL

[Ann Lander (sospiro)]

I've undertaken a series of acupuncture treatments to see if they might improve a longstanding chronic condition. I wasn't quite sure what to expect, except that the needles don't hurt. That's generally true, but I also discovered that the acupuncturist, after placing the needles, then leaves the patient alone for 20 minutes. That's fine - but I discovered that it is difficult to lie prone for 20 minutes without moving. When I shifted position - even slightly - I could feel every needle. So, yesterday, I brought my Airpods and listened to Vivaldi - and was able to relax without changing position. A world of difference.

Very pleased you were able to relax without discomfort and hope the treatment is successful.

[Clayton]

Gluck: Orfeo ed Euridice vs 3.0, the-1774-Napoli-carnival-January-edition-that-preceded-the-November-Napoli-main-theatre-edition-akavs4.0
Philippe Jaroussky (Orfeo), Amanda Forsythe (Euridice), Emőke Baráth (Amore)
Coro della Radiotelevisione Svizzera & I Barocchisti, Diego Fasolis
Recorded Sep 2016 & July 2017 Auditorio Radiotelevisione svizzera


This version varies from the more popularly performed 1762 version with dances removed, simplified and reworked orchestration and a number of reworks by Diego Naselli, aristocratic dilettante of the princes of Aragon.
The sound on this recording is a bit harsh in places and the singing lacks a bit of the power felt at the concert performances broadcast at that time but an interesting recording recommended for fans.

[MAuer]

Conductor/orchestra: Lothar Zagrosek, ORF (Austrian Broadcasting) Orchestra and Chorus
Cast: Franco Bonisolli (Paride), Ileana Cotrubas (Elena), Sylvia Greenberg (Amore/Erasto), Gabriele Fontana (Pallade)

Hadn't listened to this in quite a while. Lovely music and a fine cast, though not for those wanting an HIP approach.

[Clayton]

Wagner: Tristan und Isolde
Kirsten Flagstad, soprano / Lauritz Melchior, tenor
London Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Opera House Chorus, Covent Garden, Fritz Reiner
Recorded during performances 18 May and 2 June 1936



Another restoration by celebrated Ward Marston, though he writes a note about the recording that the original sound engineer had manipulated sound levels for which there was little he could do.
Added to that, this is a recording from such a long time ago, it is what I imagine is like listening to the gramophone. However once you are on board, as if you have taken a magic potion...

[Soave_Fanciulla]

Conductor/orchestra: Lothar Zagrosek, ORF (Austrian Broadcasting) Orchestra and Chorus
Cast: Franco Bonisolli (Paride), Ileana Cotrubas (Elena), Sylvia Greenberg (Amore/Erasto), Gabriele Fontana (Pallade)

Hadn't listened to this in quite a while. Lovely music and a fine cast, though not for those wanting an HIP approach.

But then, on the other hand, Ileana Cotrubas

[Soave_Fanciulla]

Puccini: Edgar
Plácido Domingo (Edgar), Adriana Damato (Fidelia), Marianne Cornetti (Tigrana), Juan Pons (Frank), Rafael Siwek (Gualtiero)
Coro e Orchestra dell'accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, Alberto Veronesi

[Clayton]

Adams, J: Doctor Atomic
Gerald Finley (Robert Oppenheimer), Julia Bullock (Kitty Oppenheimer), Brindley Sherratt (Edward Teller), Samuel Sakker (James Nolan), Andrew Staples (Robert Wilson), Jennifer Johnston (Pasqualita)
BBC Singers, BBC Symphony Orchestra, John Adams
Recorded April 2017 Maida Vale studios/Barbican centre


This is a lot more powerful (and disturbing) than the last time I heard this opera, which was the Netherland Opera 2007 dvd. I can strongly recommend this recording if you would like to curl up into a ball in the corner of a dark room.
Do not take if you are in a fragile state and consult your doctor first.

[Florestan]

[Florestan]