Yes, I did keep a diary on the plane. This is because by the time I got on the plane, I had been awake for twenty hours straight, after a night with only six hours of sleep in it. And…
Travel Diary: The longest night, and Norway!
Tag: opera
Monday Music: The Cold Genius (Henry Purcell)
It was absolutely necessary that I find a counter-tenor song for today, since I’m still so very disappointed that Cezar‘s magnificent counter-tenor effort on Eurovision didn’t do better, but it’s after midnight as I schedule this, and I have to…
Friday Fun: Spera e godi, il mio tesoro (Handel)
I went to see Opera Australia’s production of Partenope on Wednesday. It’s a wonderful, insane production of a wonderful, bonkers opera. The plot concerns Partenope, the soprano and the Queen of Naples, who is beloved by everyone, including Arsace (a…
Monday Music: El Vito (Joaquín Nin y Castellanos) sung by Patricia Petibon
Really, how gorgeous is Patricia Petibon? I mean, first there is that impeccable, light coloratura voice, full of personality, and then there is her amazing, almost outrageously expressive face. I wish there were more videos of her singing live, because…
Music for a Monday: Je Veux Vivre (Gounod)
I seem to be in a French mood at the moment (but then, look what happens when I go into German). Actually this is mostly because I’m looking for repertoire for my next exam, and thought it might be fun…
New favourite mezzo soprano
I’ve been mainlining Shakespeare-themed operas all weekend, and have had the Chanson de Stéphano from Gounod’s Roméo et Juliette in the brain all evening. I figured I’d find a proper version to listen to, and found this one, which is…
Monday Music: Ouvre ton coeur (Bizet)
Here’s something bright and bouncy to make you dance on a Monday morning! It’s by Bizet, who is best known for the opera Carmen, and is clearly fond of Spanish musical styles – this one is a Bolero, and utterly…
Friday Fun: Glitter and be Gay (Bernstein)
I had no idea until recently that Bernstein had written an opera based on Voltaire’s Candide. Cunegonde’s aria, Glitter and Be Gay, is the only piece from it that I have heard so far, and it’s absolutely brilliant fun.
Friday Fun: Lego Opera does Tosca
I can’t decide whether this is an act of genius or a travesty, but I think you’ll agree that it definitely belongs in the Friday Fun category…
Friday Fun: When I have often heard young maids complaining (Purcell)
I know, I know, it’s more Purcell. Anyone would think I had no imagination at all. But the thing with Purcell is that if you are looking for gorgeous church music, there he is, writing it. If you are looking…