Ferretti and Rossini’s gift to us

As we approach the coming year, and reflect on the challenges of the past one, here is a message to lift our spirits from Alidoro ( who embodies Feretti’s words and Rossini’s music). The text is often overlooked because the music is so sublime and perhaps also  because translations are inadequate. This should give us all hope, whether or not we are the “fanciulla” Alidoro adresses.

Dec 25: Looking to the future

Our final gift is the best seats in the house for this historic concert

Dec 24: It doesn’t get more festive than this!

Dec 23: Clarinet variations by Rossini himself

Dec 22: Will Isabella be home for Christmas?

We are so lucky to have her sing for us no matter where she is!

Dec 21: The trio that should never be cut!

William Tell is a long opera some say. And there are parts that are often cut. The following trio, near the end is not only sublime, but helps clarify the drama. Cutting it seems like amputation.    

Dec 20: When Paganini got a hold of Rossini

Paganini and Rossini had some interesting “intersections” not the least the premire of Matilde di Shabran. However Paganini’s violin works on themes by Rossini  probably did more to make Rossini known than any other contribution. Here is the… Read More

Dec 19: More Elisabetta with Zedda, Blake, and Merritt

Luxury casting and conducting made for a memorable performance!

Dec 18: A gold-standard Maometto

The only thing a Rossini opera requires to be a  box-office success is singing like this. Thankfully Sam Ramey’s Maometto has been captured ( on film that is).  

Dec 17 A rare Elisabetta

An opera that has neither history nor legend on its side can still serve to give us psychological insight into characters of the past. Particularly when given an authentic Rossini interpretation as Lella Cuberli does here.