Topic: What Opera Are You Listening to Now?

[Tsaraslondon]

I have that set and don’t feel the need to get an alternative. I think it is an opera that would work on a highlights disc.

I have been through the Giulini Rigoletto. I quite enjoyed it, though none of the three protagonosts really did it got me. Domingo in particular sounded very generic in his portrayal, no ‘face’. I enjoyed Guilini’s conducting, it became like a dark Rembrant of a piece. I prefer the other four or five versions that I have.

Mike

I find it hard to listen to the Mad Scene from I Puritani without hearing Callas's unique tints in my head, and this recording was made when she was at her vocal height.

I know what you mean about Domingo. His singing can seem somewhat generic. Di Stefano is more fallible vocally, but, my word, you understand why Gilda might fall for him so completely.

[Tsaraslondon]

Karajan's Parsifal, like most of his Wagner, seems to court controversy. Some love it. Some hate it. Having recently spent time listening to his Tristan und Isolde and his Ring, you'd have to count me on the former camp.

[Draško]

Some instrumental passages in this version give me this unexpected Mussorgsky vibe. Has Puccini ever heard any Mussorgsky? Doubt it.

[anothername]

Some instrumental passages in this version give me this unexpected Mussorgsky vibe. Has Puccini ever heard any Mussorgsky? Doubt it.

Yes, yes, yes, one of the greatest  highlights in recording history.

[knight66]

Some instrumental passages in this version give me this unexpected Mussorgsky vibe. Has Puccini ever heard any Mussorgsky? Doubt it.

The orchestration comes out in this recording more vividly than any other I know. It is ages since I listened to it, today would be a good opportunity to enjoy it again. I think this is Mehta’s best opera set. Surherland was a big surprise for the part, but a great success and Caballe sings beautifully. The entire cast is first rate. I also enjoy the Nilsson/Corelli set a great deal, but the sounds from the Mehta is like getting into an exotic bath.

Mike

[Wendell_E]

Some instrumental passages in this version give me this unexpected Mussorgsky vibe. Has Puccini ever heard any Mussorgsky? Doubt it.

I couldn't find anything about the Italian premiere, but Boris was first performed in Paris in 1908, and in New York and London in 1913. I'd be surprised if Puccini hadn't heard it, or seen the score, by the time he wrote Turandot.

[Tsaraslondon]

I think this is Mehta’s best opera set.
Mike

It has strong competition from his recording of La Fanciulla del West. Not sure which one I'd choose. Both are excellent.

[GioCar]

Telemann: Orpheus, Act one

Well, I cannt say I'm really deep into baroque operas, but I'm enjoying that one very much. Lively, various, with a pleasant mix of German, French and Italian styles (and languages!)
 
Once more Telemann proves to be a composer I've been shamefully neglecting for too many years.

[Draško]

I couldn't find anything about the Italian premiere, but Boris was first performed in Paris in 1908, and in New York and London in 1913. I'd be surprised if Puccini hadn't heard it, or seen the score, by the time he wrote Turandot.

There was certainly enough time, and that Paris premiere was pretty big deal. It was Diaghilev's production with Chaliapin, caused much waves. But on the other hand at those times it was much easier to be not informed.

[king ubu]

Heard the new Donizetti Maria Stuarda at Zurich Opera two days ago ... and wow, Diana Damrau in the title role (a role debut) was compelling! Projection and stuff ... amazing, she could sing the lowest ppp and fill the entire room! Serena Farnocchia was a fine Lizzy but ultimately not a real match to Damrau (but then, who is nowadays? Anja Harteros would have been a cool foe for one, but I guess such a coupling is no more than an opera lover's wet dream  ), not matching her in projection nor in control of the voice. Pavol Breslik was a great Leister though, and the rest of the cast was excellent, too ... David Alden's staging was nice, and the orchestra was excellent, with Enrique Mazzola at its helm, a true belcanto specialist, it seems.

Now I've got but one opera to go before the season ends ... that, though, should be an outstanding experience ... look at that cast: Stéphanie d'Oustrac, Valer Sabadus, Julie Fuchs, Delphine Galou:
https://opernhaus.ch/en/spielplan/calendar/lincoronazione-di-poppea/season_11232/

[mc ukrneal]

Heard the new Donizetti Maria Stuarda at Zurich Opera two days ago ... and wow, Diana Damrau in the title role (a role debut) was compelling! Projection and stuff ... amazing, she could sing the lowest ppp and fill the entire room! Serena Farnocchia was a fine Lizzy but ultimately not a real match to Damrau (but then, who is nowadays? Anja Harteros would have been a cool foe for one, but I guess such a coupling is no more than an opera lover's wet dream  ), not matching her in projection nor in control of the voice. Pavol Breslik was a great Leister though, and the rest of the cast was excellent, too ... David Alden's staging was nice, and the orchestra was excellent, with Enrique Mazzola at its helm, a true belcanto specialist, it seems.

Now I've got but one opera to go before the season ends ... that, though, should be an outstanding experience ... look at that cast: Stéphanie d'Oustrac, Valer Sabadus, Julie Fuchs, Delphine Galou:
https://opernhaus.ch/en/spielplan/calendar/lincoronazione-di-poppea/season_11232/

Sounds awesome. Very interested to hear your reaction to Poppea.

[king ubu]

Sounds awesome. Very interested to hear your reaction to Poppea.

A month's wait ... but I'll hear Mojca Erdmann do some songs Sunday night, and some jazz singers tonight and Tuesday, so I'm getting my vocal fix right now, that should then bring me into summer 

Is there any recommended recording of Maria Stuarda?

[Tsaraslondon]

A month's wait ... but I'll hear Mojca Erdmann do some songs Sunday night, and some jazz singers tonight and Tuesday, so I'm getting my vocal fix right now, that should then bring me into summer 

Is there any recommended recording of Maria Stuarda?

My favourite is this one, if you can still get hold of it.



It's sung in English, but that doesn't bother me unduly, particularly given the subject matter, and Baker is here in fresher voice than she is on the official version, once on EMI and now on Chandos, that was recorded at the revival of the production about 10 years later (Rosalind Plowright the Elizabeth this time).



In Italian, Sutherland, Sills and Gruberova all recorded studio sets, but I prefer Caballe (live), particularly the one with Verrett as a thrilling Elisabeth.

[Tsaraslondon]

It's a pleasure to hear Alain Vanzo, who, whilst not quite in Simoneau's class, is a superb Nadir. Cotrubas is a lovely Leïla and Sarabia an excellent Zurga. Prêtre is occasionally a bit hasty, but, all round, this could well be the most recommendable set of the opera, here performed in its original 1863 version.

[André]

I find it impossible to decide between Simoneau and Vanzo in the Battle of the Nadirs. A solomonic judgment, that’s for sure. It’s one of those cases where the adequation of voice, style, and character is simply perfect. Different results, but equally satisfying.

[Spineur]

This recent release of les pecheurs de perles is a good alternative

Cyril Dubois and Julie Fuchs do justice to most arias & duos (they are easy pieces anyway).  The choirs (what I like most in this opera) and the sound are naturally better than in the Pretre/Vanzo/Cortubas historical recording.  Just the overall musical conception isnt quite what I think it should be.

[king ubu]

Thanks Tsaraslondon - I actually have the first Mackerras, but yeah, I was indeed looking for recommendations in Italian. The subject may be english, but then Lizzy would be the "good" gal, right? 
And I have that Opera d'Oro set, too - both picked up for small change a while ago.

Guess I should listen to them, then ... I was assuming there may be a couple of older (or younger) legit Italian recordings around, but if those two are the recommended recordings, I've got me covered!

Spineur: love Julie Fuchs and found out about that recording just a couple of hours ago ... guess it's on my wishlist now 

[André]

This recent release of les pecheurs de perles is a good alternative

Cyril Dubois and Julie Fuchs do justice to most arias & duos (they are easy pieces anyway).  The choirs (what I like most in this opera) and the sound are naturally better than in the Pretre/Vanzo/Cortubas historical recording.  Just the overall musical conception isnt quite what I think it should be.

Wow! This is brand new - not even released in the UK. I’m a sucker for anything sung by Dubois. Thanks for the tip, and for your impressions, Spineur!

[Tsaraslondon]

This recent release of les pecheurs de perles is a good alternative

Cyril Dubois and Julie Fuchs do justice to most arias & duos (they are easy pieces anyway).  The choirs (what I like most in this opera) and the sound are naturally better than in the Pretre/Vanzo/Cortubas historical recording.  Just the overall musical conception isnt quite what I think it should be.

Have you tried singing Je crois entendre encore?

[Tsaraslondon]

Thanks Tsaraslondon - I actually have the first Mackerras, but yeah, I was indeed looking for recommendations in Italian. The subject may be english, but then Lizzy would be the "good" gal, right? 
And I have that Opera d'Oro set, too - both picked up for small change a while ago.

Guess I should listen to them, then ... I was assuming there may be a couple of older (or younger) legit Italian recordings around, but if those two are the recommended recordings, I've got me covered!

Spineur: love Julie Fuchs and found out about that recording just a couple of hours ago ... guess it's on my wishlist now 

There's also a DVD with DiDonato as Maria, but I haven't seen it.