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.
Dec 16: When Rossini met Beethoven
In honor of Beethoven’s birthday today we are posting the complete film devoted to the life of Rossini including the scene representing his meeting with Beethoven. It is fabulous entertainment ( if not 100% history) filmed in Rome… Read More
Dec 15: Numero Quindici
Numero Quindici!