Ping Pong

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Werther

I listened to the broadcast and it brought back vivid memories of a thrilling performance at Brussels' La Monnaie last december. Indeed, I believe the recording was made on the very day I was there, as I remember seeing the van of the Belgian radio outside the theatre! JL gave a touching performance of a woman trapped in the bourgeois conventions of the 18th & 19th centuries: The director had emphasized the very narrow space her world comprised by the almost claustrophobic stage setting of a kind of doll's house, making of Charlotte a "desperate housewife" out of Ibsen! The huge christmas tree in the 3rd act dwarfed the humans and was more threatening than festive. Charlotte sang her heart-rending Letter Aria sitting on a stool in the corner - like a "cornered" or trapped animal, which made the last words "...il se brise" all the more poignant. I literally held my breath during this whole act, and when Charlotte cried out embracing her sister and bidding farewell to her, my heart missed a beat! In the 4th act Charlotte's desperation comes over most vividly, and her cries are agonizing. JL really makes you live through the agony and the pain with her! When she sobs "Tout est fini!" you really feel as if the world has come to its end! And I must say Ludovic Tézier as Werther died most movingly. The part was, of course, originally written for a tenor, but I am grateful to M. Massenet that he also wrote this alternative version. I admit I am biased, as I love the baritone voice and have never much cared for tenors (and baritones are in most cases much more handsome to boot!)! In short, it was an evening to remember and I can only join Paul in his wish for a dvd of this performance!

My Wish List

1. Kurt Weill cd.
2. Massenet's Werther on cd AND dvd (yes, I'm greedy).
3. Rossini's Semiramide full production in the US and recorded for dvd.

Is that asking too much? I didn't think so.

Werther, La Monnaie - December 2007!

During my daily blog searches for all that is Jennie, I found the following Brazilian blog that has her Charlotte in Brussels from last year. Those of you who were there know how great she was. Those of us who were not (myself included), enjoy! It's a role I'm dying to see her do live. Why Los Angeles Opera doesn't engage her is beyond me, but that's another story:

http://maisumadofalsario.blogspot.com/2008/09/2007-massenet-werther-kazushi-onotzier.html

Bad Fan!

I just read that Opera Rara’s Entre Nous cd has been nominated for a 2008 Gramophone Award for best recital disc. I sure hope it wins, although I’m embarrassed to say I do not own this disc set. Due to my current state of financial affairs, Opera Rara cds are too rich for my blood. And they are worth every stinking penny. I’m not just saying this because Jennie records with them. They are simply the best. And they always use great art historical paintings for their covers. Talk about simple marketing: great product, simple design, beautiful art and kick-ass music. Oh, and Jennifer Larmore on so many of their discs. Sweet.

So, not only can I not afford Entre Nous, I can’t afford Alessandro nell' Indie as well. (Carlo di Borgogna is my favorite Opera Rara/Jennie cd.) I’m a bad fan. To add insult to injury, I most likely will not be able to make it to Atlanta to hear her do Cenerentola in November. I think my Jennifer Larmore card needs to be revoked. But I’m grateful she’s recording so much and I hope Entre Nous wins. We’ll find out later this month. By that time perhaps I’ll be gainfully employed and I can stop my whining.