Today I had the pleasure of seeing the documentary on the Robert Lepage production of Der Ring Des Nibelungen, Wagner's Dream. Directed by Susan Froemke, it's an excellent behind the scenes look at the entire creative journey of producing this controversial epic vision. I am hoping it will be released on DVD with concurrently with the production itself, it's a great asset to broaden one's appreciation of Lepage's vision of Wagner's masterpiece.
The online art gallery of Blair Parkinson, Visual Artist, and Opera Obsessive based in Perth, Western Australia
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Happy Birthday George London (May 30, 1920 – March 24, 1985)
George London remains to this day, my favourite exponent of Baron Scarpia, his was the first Te Deum (from Tosca) I heard. His dark bass-baritone was perfect for the role and as recorded by Decca with Tebaldi and Del Monaco, remains a benchmark of recorded Scarpias.
His all too brief career encompassed some of the greatest bass-baritone roles, Wotan, Don Giovanni, The Dutchman, Amonasro, and who could forget that he was the first American to sing Boris Godunov at the Bolshoi Opera during the Cold War?
I have great admiration for his Wotan, in both the Solti and Leinsdorf recordings, but I'll always associate him with Puccini's villain. This is footage of his Te Deum recorded live with Tebaldi and Tobin conducted by Patane in Stuttgart, June 3, 1961. Enjoy.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
New Review: Verdi - Aida - Muti
A review of one of my favourite recordings of Verdi's Aida has been added to my Music Reviews page. I have 17 recordings of Aida (don't judge me) and growing, so there will be other reviews and comparisons to follow.
Monday, May 28, 2012
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