Don Giovanni, who almost gets away with murder

Because the Academy of Vocal Arts is a teaching institution, its choice of repertoire is focused on what will provide the best opportunities for its resident artists. That explains why Don Giovanni frequently appears on its performing schedule, and why it was this season’s opener. Mozart’s masterpiece gives prominence for…

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Tannhauser: obsolescent?

Tannhäuser. Metropolitan Opera, 2015

 

They don’t write ‘em like this anymore. Nor stage them like this.

In fact, even Wagner stopped writing operas like it, and switched to music dramas of a revolutionary nature.

Tannhäuser was an old-fashioned grand opera with arias, numerous brass fanfares and extensive choruses, and heavily influenced by the …

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Otello season-opening new production at the Met

Otello at the Metropolitan Opera, October 2015.
Live movie-theater telecast by Fathom Events.

This is politically incorrect to say, but the portrayal of Otello as a white man in the new Met production is absurd. The whole point of Shakespeare’ (and Verdi’s and Boito’s) drama is the man’s Otherness. The story revolves around his insecurity because of racial prejudice.

…

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ART Archives Browse All Stories

Painting, architecture and other visual art. A list of highlights from our two decades of coverage. Read More

BOOKS Archives Browse All Stories

Notable books on all subjects, with an emphasis on the arts. A list of highlights from our two decades of… Read More

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Orchestral, opera and chamber music in live performance and on recordings. A list of highlights from our two decades of… Read More

THEATER Archives Browse All Stories

Musical and spoken stage performances. A list of highlights from our two decades of coverage. Read More

TRAVEL Archives Browse All Stories

In-depth descriptions of journeys with an emphasis on cultural experiences in each place. A list of highlights from our two… Read More