Sunday, February 28, 2010
Capriccio (opera) by AVA
Last weekend we went to see Capriccio by Curtis institute. Capriccio is the final opera by German
composer Richard Strauss, subtitled "A Conversation Piece for Music". Having never seen the opera before, and arriving late, I was mostly disoriented about the plot and the dialogs between the singers. Germanic language is very different from Italian language, which derived from Latin. Eventhough, Germanic language is a part of old English family, composed of Dutch and Afikanns. It was hard to sense what the dialogs were about. During the intermission, we were served hot chocolate as in the opera, the singers were to take a "chocolate" break, it was very sweet for them to treat the audience using part of the plot. Our favorite soprano, Michelle Johnson, who is a second year resident artistis of AVA, play the Countess, the sister of the Count. Having performed on many bigger stages, it was an easy, relaxed time for Johnson to really emphasize her acting skills. (She is not being poisoned this time as she was in Il Trovatore :)) Another loud applause goes to Olivia Vote, who is also AVA second year resident artist. Her breathing technique was amazing, her voice was resonating in both high and low register. We really enjoyed her singing :) The opera is full of action, singing, talking, love and irony. At the end, the Countess could not choose between Music and words, and each represented a suitor. The opera ended purposely before the countess made her decision. I assume if there was an ending to Capriccio, the Countess would have chosen neither suitor because words and music is inseparable.
The final scene from Capriccio, the Countess struggling to make a decision.
Click here to see a review by Robert Baxter.
composer Richard Strauss, subtitled "A Conversation Piece for Music". Having never seen the opera before, and arriving late, I was mostly disoriented about the plot and the dialogs between the singers. Germanic language is very different from Italian language, which derived from Latin. Eventhough, Germanic language is a part of old English family, composed of Dutch and Afikanns. It was hard to sense what the dialogs were about. During the intermission, we were served hot chocolate as in the opera, the singers were to take a "chocolate" break, it was very sweet for them to treat the audience using part of the plot. Our favorite soprano, Michelle Johnson, who is a second year resident artistis of AVA, play the Countess, the sister of the Count. Having performed on many bigger stages, it was an easy, relaxed time for Johnson to really emphasize her acting skills. (She is not being poisoned this time as she was in Il Trovatore :)) Another loud applause goes to Olivia Vote, who is also AVA second year resident artist. Her breathing technique was amazing, her voice was resonating in both high and low register. We really enjoyed her singing :) The opera is full of action, singing, talking, love and irony. At the end, the Countess could not choose between Music and words, and each represented a suitor. The opera ended purposely before the countess made her decision. I assume if there was an ending to Capriccio, the Countess would have chosen neither suitor because words and music is inseparable.
The final scene from Capriccio, the Countess struggling to make a decision.
Click here to see a review by Robert Baxter.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Curtis at Prince Theater-La sonnambula by Bellini 02/20/2010
We were glad to be in the Prince theater tonight, for <<*la sonnambula="">> (The sleep walker) by Bellini in collaboration with the Curtis orchestra. The production was well put, and well performed.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Interesting article
Maria Callas: Voice Of Perfect Imperfection
"Maria Callas defined what it meant to be a diva. And Callas remains one of the towering figures of opera..."
EMI Classics
Monday, February 15, 2010
Saunders House Recital 02/23/10
Life Pianist10:00 am
02/23/1020
March- Waverly Heights Retirement Community,PA
March- Waverly Heights Retirement Community,PA
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Feburary recital updated!
My last recital at Cadia Rehabilitation, (Delaware) was one of the best recitals ever :) Thank you (thank you Rachael) so much for having us and giving us the wonderful afternoon to be part of a very warming and welcoming community where residents sung along throughout the recital :)
My next recital will be 02/27/2010, location is to be determined between Waverly heights, PA and Beaumont retirement,PA depending on the pianist's and the facility's availability.
Monday, February 8, 2010
OONY-Julianna Di giacomo
The Thursday night performance at OONY was yet another pleasant experience. Ms Di Giacomo sung several heart-wrenching arias, our favorite was Vissi d'Arte from Tosca. Ms. Eve queler's effort in promoting young rising stars, bringing them to a smaller, more intimate stage has been very effective with people who has limited time in town, or fans who prefer to enjoy the concert from a closer distance (like us).
We are looking forward to the next show.
Julianna Di Giacomo Rome 2009
Eve Queler conducting ,OONY rehearsal
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Monday, February 1, 2010
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
ESVA!
