Buy Richard Strauss – Ariadne auf Naxos / Levine, Norman, Battle, Troyanos, Metropolitan Opera DVD at Amazon.
Posted by dalepeters1962 on 16th December 2009
 |
Buy Richard Strauss – Ariadne auf Naxos / Levine, Norman, Battle, Troyanos, Metropolitan Opera DVD at Amazon..
Product: Richard Strauss – Ariadne auf Naxos / Levine, Norman, Battle, Troyanos, Metropolitan Opera Amazon Price: Sale Price Too Low To Display Availability: In Stock |
“Ariadne Auf Naxos” is Richard Strauss’ scintillating foray into the world of neo-classicism. The intelligent innovations of “Salome” and “Elektra” were history, and here, Strauss luxuriated in the beauty of sound as an demolish in itself. Employing a chamber orchestra of 36 pieces with all the fluency of an master, he, and his librettist, Hugo von Hofmannsthal, conjure a palatable two-part opera consisting of a Prologue, which is mostly sung in recitative, and a full-scale operetta boasting some of the most delicious melodies and set-pieces to be found in all opera. Jessye Norman is improbable as the forlorn and abandoned Ariadne. Kathleen Battle is satisfactory as Zerbinetta, tackling “Grossmachtige Prinzessin” – a virtuoso aria that is to the coloratura soprano what Rachmaninoff’s 3rd piano concerto is to the pianist – with a deceptively cavalier aplomb and grace. The rest of the MET cast is a delight. The sets are simple and straightforward, as befits this “play within a play.” I watched this performance twice at one sitting, and have to admit getting teary-eyed at the destroy as Bacchus and Ariadne resolutely face the future, find in their original fancy. Strauss’ magnificent music was never more endearing: pair it with the professionals at the MET and you have an attractive evening’s entertainment. Richard Strauss is sometimes criticized as difficult or too modern: “Der Rosenkavalier” aside, this opera, and subsequent masterpieces such as, “Capriccio,” belie such accusations. Strauss, as in this opera, could write music of surpassing mellifluousness. This is a amazing performance of an intelligent opera.
Richard Strauss’ operas are not as easy to stage as the outmoded opera, and finding a cast to articulate them equally as difficult.(A bit like Wagner) . However, this production from the Metropolitan Opera has not only managed to pull it off, but have done so with a secure, acquire formular. The cast is as noteworthy as the music itself, then there are the sets, costumes and direction, all equally mastered like a master craftsman working on a prized sculpture.This production has an extremely strong female cast headed off by Tatiana Troyanos who gives the performance of her life as the Composer. Almost bringing the house down in her final statement in the prologue not to mention her skill as an actor. Her singing of “Seien wir wieder gut…..Musik ist eine kunst” blew me away. What a pitty that’s all she has to do. One would like to hear her attractive tones again.Then we have Kathleen Batttle as Zerbinetta. Ah! what warm tones and brilliance of instruct and character that Kathleen brings to her role. When I heard Kathleen disclose “Großmächtige Prinzessin, wer verstünde nicht” I view that I had died and gone to heaven, what control. Jessye Norman! what can one say of this outmoded performer in the title role. The power, the sheer beauty and elegance of her vocal powers. This woman can not only handle the high notes that Strauss demands but those vulgar chest notes roll off her tongue like wine from a bottle. I have never heard Ariadne sung with such conviction, strength and passion. These three singers aptly cast certainly drive this opera home. Barbara Bonney, Gweneth Bean and Dawn Upshaw as Najade, Dryade and Echo respectfully beget their bear exceedingly well and balance off the female ensembles with such precission like a well accelerate military machine and enjoying every minutes of it. Then there are the men. I must say that I have never been a big fan of James King as I have only heard him singing Wagner, and I found his tell not quite up to the challange of all that power. But! having seen his performance here I must say he seems remarkable more great although I would have prefered a remarkable stronger dispute, eg Ben Hamper. However his performance and presence are passable. The rest of the men are noble in their respective rolls especially Stephen Dickson as Harlekin.
The Metropolitan Opera Production team are to be congratulated on such a fine production. The sound and vision are not only determined and undistorted but also well balanced.
This would have to be my favourite Opera DVD to date. I observe forward to viewing more operas from the Metropolitam Opera in the future.
It is so nice to scrutinize an opera production staged as the composer intended and NOT as a contempary nightmare. (I am not a fan of contempory productions and fabricate no apology for it) . Which seems to be the diagram some opera houses are heading these days. What a pitty, it’s hard enough getting people into an opera house because the operas are sung in a different language, let alone scaring the pants off them with a wayout production that no one, but the prodction team seems to understand.
Thank you Metropolitan Opera for this improbable production of Richard Strauss’ “Ariadne auf Naxos.”
Colorado Auto Insurance Quotes
Georgia Auto Insurance Quotes
Wedding Album Design
Small Business Phone Systems
Smokeless Cigarettes
Posted in Richard Strauss - Ariadne auf Naxos Levine, Norman, Battle, Troyanos, Metropolitan Opera | No Comments »