What opera have you been listening to, lately?

[Ann Lander (sospiro)]

It's a charming opera, though its depiction of rural England during the reign of Queen Anne probably bears little resemblance to what life was actually like then. And you may be amused by the two protagonists' pronunciation of "Derby." Popp goes for the American "Durby," while Jerusalem comes out with a very Germanic "Dehrby."

I'll enjoy that!

[Florestan]

Did Rheingold and Walkure a week ago, so picking up where I left off:

[Florestan]

Der Fliegende Hollander (Augh! Track change in mid gasp when she sees the Dutchman in her doorway).

[Povero Buoso]

I must confess after a recent absence , in part due to my pursuit of my research masters and likely (highly proabable) career of becoming a primary [for my american friends an elementary] school teacher. In the resulting time I have once again become captivated by Rigoletto (in particular my favourite version once again.

I was treated to a recent performance (with Glynebourne) of Rigoletto and I realise it doesn't really have a fault as an Opera. Each act is close to perfect in pacing and music. Plot and character wise it has remarkable development. At worst one can say Act 1 might drag slightly (if one considers Caro Nome a drag) but really the whole opera is seamless. I think we might need to redo the Verdi poll of some years go again because I do wonder desbite the utterly sublime music in Falstaff, Don Carlos and elsewhere, as a whole package did Verdi really do better as a whole elsewhere other than Rigoletto?

[MAuer]

Sometimes the most popular operas are the most popular for a reason: they're that good.

And best of luck with your new career -- the world needs as many dedicated teachers as possible. (Maybe you can introduce your students to opera!)

[Florestan]

[Florestan]

Christmas present I received today:

[Ann Lander (sospiro)]

Sometimes the most popular operas are the most popular for a reason: they're that good.

Exactly!

And when people complain that >insert name< isn't performed more often, it's usually because it's not that good!

[Luiz Gazzola (Almaviva)]

I must confess after a recent absence , in part due to my pursuit of my research masters and likely (highly proabable) career of becoming a primary [for my american friends an elementary] school teacher. In the resulting time I have once again become captivated by Rigoletto (in particular my favourite version once again.

I was treated to a recent performance (with Glynebourne) of Rigoletto and I realise it doesn't really have a fault as an Opera. Each act is close to perfect in pacing and music. Plot and character wise it has remarkable development. At worst one can say Act 1 might drag slightly (if one considers Caro Nome a drag) but really the whole opera is seamless. I think we might need to redo the Verdi poll of some years go again because I do wonder desbite the utterly sublime music in Falstaff, Don Carlos and elsewhere, as a whole package did Verdi really do better as a whole elsewhere other than Rigoletto?

I think Caro Nome doesn't drag; it is an extremely beautiful piece of music - if anything, I lament when it ends, I'd listen to it over and over, very happily. And yes, Rigoletto is fabulous. Whether or not Verdi did better elsewhere is hard to say. I think Verdi's top operas are all extraordinary, and are phenomenal accomplishments of advanced musical structure and theatrical sense, not to forget the gorgeous melodies and/or orchestration. I'd rank in that stratospheric category, La traviata, Rigoletto, Il trovatore, Otello, Macbeth, Falstaff, and Don Carlos, which are my seven favorites, and I'd add slightly lower in my preference but still very high, Simon Boccanegra, Nabucco, and even Aida, which suffers from over-exposure and over-grandiose stagings but is also very beautiful when you think of it, especially in the rare occasions when it is given a more intimate staging. As for his other operas, they all have merit and they all have their moments, but maybe they are not as, like you said, close to perfect as these top ten. I believe that he didn't compose any opera that can be called bad. It's just that some are more sublime than others, but his entire body of work is very impressive.

[Florestan]

[Florestan]

[Povero Buoso]

I think Caro Nome doesn't drag; it is an extremely beautiful piece of music - if anything, I lament when it ends, I'd listen to it over and over, very happily. And yes, Rigoletto is fabulous. Whether or not Verdi did better elsewhere is hard to say. I think Verdi's top operas are all extraordinary, and are phenomenal accomplishments of advanced musical structure and theatrical sense, not to forget the gorgeous melodies and/or orchestration. I'd rank in that stratospheric category, La traviata, Rigoletto, Il trovatore, Otello, Macbeth, Falstaff, and Don Carlos, which are my seven favorites, and I'd add slightly lower in my preference but still very high, Simon Boccanegra, Nabucco, and even Aida, which suffers from over-exposure and over-grandiose stagings but is also very beautiful when you think of it, especially in the rare occasions when it is given a more intimate staging. As for his other operas, they all have merit and they all have their moments, but maybe they are not as, like you said, close to perfect as these top ten. I believe that he didn't compose any opera that can be called bad. It's just that some are more sublime than others, but his entire body of work is very impressive.

If I'm honest while I love Caro Nome. I also think that the latter half of act 1 is the most sedate part of the opera. Saying this however I also think Verdi excels himself here as well (sedate or slow paced need not neccesarily be bad after all). One of my favourite moments in any opera (effect wise) is the slow melding at the end of Caro Nome as the conspirators arrive and start whispering to each other as the aria concludes.The disparity between the beautiful aria and the hushed murmurings is excellent (developing a palpable dread in my mind as to what is about to come) and along with various other moments of great dramtic story telling with music in Rigoletto contribute to why I think it might be Verdi's best as a dramatic whole even if others among his operas may reach greater musical heights (Still haven't seen Othello)

[Ann Lander (sospiro)]

Not heard of either of these! Any good?

[Ann Lander (sospiro)]

Happy 60th Birthday to Tony Pappano!

To celebrate I'm listening to this:

[Florestan]