Wagner's music and dramas are not for everyone and even seasoned opera goers might feel intimidated by the master. But "Tristan und Isolde" is an opera that needs to be experienced by anyone and everyone, even those who have never gone to the opera. Despite its 4-plus hour running time, this is an opera that immerses emotionally, spiritually and even physically and the Met's production, featuring intelligent direction, a terrific cast and genius conductor is simply too perfect an opportunity to pass up.
The program tells you that this "Elektra" is two-hours long with no intermission, a daunting task for many new opera goers. But those hours fly by without you even feeling them. That is how fulfilling and immersive this new "Elektra" is with its fascinating production and virtuosic cast members.
If great singing is of great interest to you, then this "Elisir d'Amore" will provide that in spade. But if dramatic cohesion and comedy is what you crave, this "Elisir," as directed by Sher, is simply not structured for such a job.
There are still a number of performances remaining for this year's "Nozze di Figaro." Mozart's masterpiece has transcended centuries at this point and this performance, delivered by a top-notch cast in an detailed production, is one that will make viewers fall in love with opera.
There is undoubtedly more great tragedy in the opera world than comedy, but Donizetti's "Don Pasquale" is one of the best of the latter genre. This Met production and musical team is fascinating in every respect, allowing for an enjoyable evening that races by.
Ultimately, the beautifully nuanced storytelling, glorious cast members and ravishing play from the Met Opera orchestra and chorus made the most compelling argument that the "Pecheur de Perles" needs to be on the stage of this famed opera house more often. Once this run is over, one can only hope that it will not be another 100 years before audiences can enjoy its glorious melodies once again.
There is simply not enough to write here about how wondrous this new Met Opera "Lulu" is. There are a number of fascinating details about the production, the music and the performers that this writer could have continued elaborating on, but the reality is that it must be experienced to be fully appreciated and explored.
Famed opera star Isabel Leonard will join forces with American guitarist Sharon isbin for a program of Spanish music at Carnegie Hall's Zankel Hall on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. EST.
There are still many other performances of "Tosca" to come at the Met with a wide array of sopranos, tenors and baritones. Unfortunately there will be no more Gheorghiu on the Met stage for the balance of the 2015-16 season. However, her brief run on the famous stage was a stark reminder of why she is such a poignant artist.
In many ways "Tannhauser" provides an ideal launching point for those who want to try out Wagner but might feel daunted to do so. Unlike "The Flight Dutchman" which has no intermissions, "Tannhauser's" has two and showcases the composer's most structured work. Arias, choruses even concertato's are easily discernible throughout opera, giving audiences concrete points of reference. Throw in this terrific cast, a conductor at his very best and a production that despite its age still holds up, and you have a glorious evening for both newcomers and Wagner lovers alike.
