Opera
Sat, Apr 3 2010, 2:12AM
I think we need a separate opera thread. How about it?
Sat, Apr 3 2010, 9:23PM
#2
RE: Home
Ok, kick-off time...
What do you think of this performance? Especially the conducting of Hartmut Haenchen?
http://cgi.omroep.nl/cgi-bin/streams?/radio4/nps/npsoperalive/20100227-19.wma?start=0:32:54
Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra (remember the Petatone Kreizberg recordings?)
Hartmut Haenchen, conductor
Daland: Robert Lloyd (bass)
Senta: Catherine Naglestad (sop)
Erik: Marco Jentzsch (tenor)
Mary: Marina Prudenskaja (mezzo)
Der Steuermann Dalands: Oliver Ringelhahn (tenor)
Der Holländer: Juha Uusitalo (bass)
Mon, Apr 5 2010, 10:07PM
#3
RE: Home
I saw that performance and was not particulalry impressed with the production,some of the singing was very good indeed especially Erik and Senta but Haenchen and his orchestra were the real standout.
Wed, Apr 7 2010, 10:30PM
#4
RE: Opera RE: Opera
Montserrat Caballe was the singer who introduced me to opera so the nickname is a kind of tribute to her for opening the door to a wealth of recordings and performances I would otherwise have missed.
Sun, Apr 11 2010, 7:24PM
#5
RE: Opera
Caballes performance of Tosca in Sir Colin Davis recording simply knocked me out!So sensous,almost erotic,seductive,so female.Carreras was also very good in that recording.Their duet in the first act is simply one of the most beautiful moments in opera.
Mon, Apr 12 2010, 2:48PM
#6
RE: Opera RE: Opera
Caballes performance of Tosca in Sir Colin Davis recording simply knocked me out!So sensous,almost erotic,seductive,so female.Carreras was also very good in that recording.Their duet in the first act is simply one of the most beautiful moments in opera.
I couldn't agree more. I know it's probably heresy in classical circles to say this but I actually prefer Sir Colin Davis' recording of Tosca to the De Sabata version. Much as I enjoy Callas' interpretation whenever I listen to it I find myself thinking of the less harsh tones of Caballe, Tebaldi and Leontyne Price in the title role.
Fri, Apr 16 2010, 1:22AM
#7
RE: Opera
OK. Since I started this, out of all recordings of recorded opera if you could only choose one, what would it be?
Sat, Apr 17 2010, 12:24PM
#8
RE: Opera
I would have to go for Haitink's EMI recording of 'Figaro'. Is it the greatest opera recording of all time? Almost certainly not, but it is the first opera set that I heard and the one that got me hooked about 20 years ago.
If I could have only one set, it would have to this one.
Sat, Apr 17 2010, 2:39PM
#9
RE: Opera
Very,very difficult,but one recording that for me in many ways is perfect is Sir Colin Davis recording of Nozze di Figaro with BBC SO with Mirella Freni, Jessye Norman and others on Philips. Wonderful performance.
Sat, Apr 17 2010, 6:12PM
#10
RE: Opera
At the risk of getting all the noses going up in the air, I have to vote for the Karajan Boheme.
If we broaden this to dvd, there's a different answer. I'm intrigued by the way dvd seems to have muddied the waters for opera buffs who are (and I say this in all sincerity) so passionate about their interest and so incredibly knowledgeable. The debate over whether or not opera is "all about singing" is a lively one.
If there's a criticism I have about Gramophone's current focus, it's the short shrift given to opera dvds and blu ray. Only a small percentage of the many monthly issues is covered.
Wed, Apr 21 2010, 12:31PM
#11
RE: Opera
OK. Since I started this, out of all recordings of recorded opera if you could only choose one, what would it be?
If I had to reach for a CD as I fled a burning building it would be Von Karajan's Falstaff because it has so much talent packed into a great opera. Gobbi, Panerai, Schwarzkopf, Moffo and so on. They don't make em like that anymore.
If I had time for two I'd reach for Mehta's Trovatore because as a vehicle for impassioned spinto singing it's matchless with L Price, Domingo, Milnes and Cossotto.
That said Cosi Fan Tutte on Solti's first recording would also be there....
Can just have ten and be done with it?
Wed, Apr 21 2010, 2:49PM
#12
RE: Opera
To continue the fleeing a burning bulding theme: Without hesitation the first opera set I would go for would be the Solti Ring. I know it does not meet with universal approval but non the less it was a remarkable achevement and Birgit Nilsson must rank as the last of the truly great Brunhildes. At least I can't think of anyone better since.
If I had the luxury of 2 recordings of this work I would have to take the Goodall ENO cycle as this was the first one I saw on stage and indeed my introduction to Wagner. In the days before Opera North when ENO used to tour It came to Leeds. I was so impressed with the 1st cycle I booked tickets and saw it again the following week. Does anyone know whether or not this production was ever filmed?
Tue, Apr 27 2010, 5:33PM
#13
RE: Opera RE: Opera
Caballes performance of Tosca in Sir Colin Davis recording simply knocked me out!So sensous,almost erotic,seductive,so female.Carreras was also very good in that recording.Their duet in the first act is simply one of the most beautiful moments in opera.
I couldn't agree more. I know it's probably heresy in classical circles to say this but I actually prefer Sir Colin Davis' recording of Tosca to the De Sabata version. Much as I enjoy Callas' interpretation whenever I listen to it I find myself thinking of the less harsh tones of Caballe, Tebaldi and Leontyne Price in the title role.
I concur. I find the de Sabata recording with Callas to be most un-inspiring. I prefer Caballe, Tebaldi or Price any day of the week.
Sun, May 16 2010, 11:50PM
#14
RE: Opera RE: Opera RE: Opera RE: Opera RE: Opera RE: Opera
You do surprise me. When I said I preferred a voice with more beauty in the tone the last thing I wanted to imply was that Callas' famous recording was in any sense defective. I wholeheartedly enjoy the de Sabata recording and regard it as one of the finest operatic recordings ever made. Callas' interpretative insights as Tosca, or indeed any role she undertook, tend to underline what is missing from those of other sopranos with few exceptions. As she said - a beautiful voice is not enough. I very much enjoy Freni and Scotto in their respective recordings of Tosca as they (to my ears) bring added illumination to the title role from singing in their native language although neither of them were ideally suited in terms of vocal heft or security when they made their recordings.
What I appreciate most about Caballe's interpretation is the totally different approach - sensuous, mature and immature. A person so removed from the real world who doesn't really comprehend or cares not to be concerned with the reality of politics, power or personal motives. That is true of Tosca but I don't think any other recordings demonstrate the naivity and I suppose self-centred individual of the title role better as the shocks of Scarpia's machinations rouse her to action.
Mon, May 17 2010, 12:56AM
#15
RE: Opera RE: Opera RE: Opera
No you can't have ten. I know it's difficult but I was prompting people to choose their most favoured opera recording. I realise this post hasn't generated much interest and we operaphiles absolutely would hate to choose merely one recording. A few years ago I was in the horrific situation of leaving a burning building in a house fire. Fortunately, I chose to leave every recording behind as people are more important than any possesions. What surprised me most was that not one of my CDs or LPs sufferred much damage even though some of the plastic boxes melted. Recordings can usually be replaced even though it might take some time.
In retrospect and in light of BBC 3's recent request to nominate favourite arias I realise how impossible this is. I have many favourite arias and would be hard pressed to state a preference. Nessun Dorma would not be No. 1 I have to say, although I would not be surprised if this was the result. I am not really one for top 10's, top 50's or anything for that matter as preferences are so subjective and when I posed my question I was hoping to get a few surprises.
Agreed: can we take your nickname as a clue to your opera interests??