The Passion of Opera

Besides, of course, Der Ring des Nibelungen , Parsifal likely stands as Wagner's most monumental work. Having seen the full  Ring  and Tannhäuser  in Vienna, I was excited to keep checking things off the very top of the list of Wagnerian operas. The conceptualization of this production was mixed. I have often debated at length how productions that set an opera in a different time period or are abstract (like this one) must not only not distract from the opera, but must do more than just provide an acceptable veneer for an alternate setting. They must truly add something beyond what the production offers in its traditional setting. The concept of this production definitely attempted to do so but lacked the artistic unity to fully succeed. The performances, however, were simply rock-solid and perfectly in the vein demanded by Wagnerian roles.  General information & synopsis:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parsifal Parsifal | Richard Wagner Credits: ...

War Requiem | Benjamin Britten Soprano | Sabina Cvilak Tenor | Allan Clayton (In for the indisposed Andrew Kennedy) Baritone | Roderick Williams Conductor | Semyon Bychkov Off-Stage Conductor | James O'Donnell BBC Symphony Orchestra & Chorus Crouch End Festival Chorus Choristers of Westminster Abbey General information:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_Requiem ___________________________________________________________________________________ My first exposure to Britten's War Requiem was last spring when Lawrence University's orchestra and choirs mounted a concert for the piece with professional soloists. That experience was particularly moving for me. We put a lot of work into that piece both musically and emotionally, and the result was stunning. Especially touching was the conductor's pause for 30 seconds at the end of the piece in silence. I preface this review with this for two reasons. One, it was wonderful to be able to finally s...