by Sam Juliano
The 2008-09 season is now underway at the Metropolitan Opera, as the schedule kicked off early last week with the staging of Richard Strauss’ Salome, in a production that has been showcased at the opera house for several years. Karita Mattila has won wide praise for playing the central title role. Both Ponchielli’s La Gioconda and Mozart’s Don Giovanni have already been staged, with both still having a number of performances left in the upcoming weeks. The Metropolitan is at the center of an exterior cosmetic facelift this season as the center fountain and courtyard between the world-famous opera house and both Avery Fisher Hall and the New York State Theatre. As a result, unseemly wooden barriers obscure the the ornate structure’s front facade, and will probably remain for several months. Wonders in the Dark will be there for a number of this year’s offerings, which contain an attractive mix of the traditional warhorses and some brand new productions. The schedule, which will run through May, includes a generous number of performances of the following operas:
Salome (Richard Strauss)
La Gioconda (Amare Ponchielli)
La Boheme (Giacomo Puccini)
Cavalleria Rusticanna/Pagliacci (Mascagni-Leoncavallo)
La Cenerentola (Rossini)
La Damnation de Faust (Hector Berlioz)
Doctor Atomic (John Adams)
Eugene Onegin (Tchaikovsky)
Gotterdammerung (Richard Wagner)
Lucia di Lammermoor (Gaetano Donizetti)
Madama Butterfly (Puccini)
The Magic Flute (Mozart)
Orfeo ed Euridice (Gluck)
The Queen of Spades (Tchaikovsky)
Das Rheingold (Richard Wagner)
La Rondine (Puccini)
Rigoletto (Verdi)
Rusalka (Dvorak)
Siegried (Richard Wagner)
La Sonnambula (Bellini)
Thais (Massanet)
Tristan und Isolda (Richard Wagner)
La Traviata (Verdi)
Die Walkure (Richard Wagner)
Although I have seen every one of the these operas except for three (Doctor Atomic, Thais, La damnation de Faust) at the Met over the years, I plan on seeing some of the new productions of some of these timeless masterpieces, and reviewing them for Wonders in the Dark. In a year of cosmetic transition it is clear that the Met is taking few gambles, and is mainly going with the traditional works that fill all the seats. I am still excited about the new season, and plan to see Salome sometime over the next week.
…..I think you write great movie reviews Sam, but to be honest, nothing compares to your opera and classical music stuff. It’s always been clear where your true love lies, and anyone who thinks movies are your ‘top game’ should check out your opera and music pieces. I look forward to your planned review of ‘Salome.’ That one is quite disturbing I must say.
I must admit that I prefer the Italian opera. The German ones don’t connect with me, and I’m not a fan of that music. My favorite is Madame Butterfly, that’s so beautiful.
I appreciate that glowing compliment Frank, and I think you may be right. I love film more than I can express, and it has dominated my life in so many ways, but music/opera may edge it out by the tiniest of margins.
Maria, Italian opera is indeed beautiful and incomparably melodic (especially Puccini and Verdi) but Wagner and Mozart are titans, and I find their work just as ravishing, with an intellectual, philosophical context to boot. But I admit they are not everyone’s cup of tea.
This is exciting Sam. I know you also attend the City Opera at that same location, what’s going on with them this year? I see what you mean about “traditional fare” though–seems like the new Met management don’t want to take chances with productions that won’t fill the house. I read that they had some kind of a testimonial this week for Domingo. I bet that tickets cost a bundle!
I agree with Frank that your opera reviews can’t be touched with your other writings. Look forward to them.
My own favorite opera is “Rigoletto.” Nobody sings ‘La Donna e Mobile’ like Pavarotti. rip.
I’m going to try catching some of these in the HD telecasts at the local Regal multiplex. I went see The Magic Flute once in this venue and was the only person in the theater. I was surprised they didn’t kick me out and refund my money.
I caught half of a broadcast of Dr. Atomic this summer on NPR, but had to cut it short because I had to play for an afternoon wedding. Psh. What I heard of it was pretty brilliant — definitely an acquired taste, though.
You and your opera Sam. You are the eternal promoter. lol. Best Wishes with this terrific site. The artistic community will be greatly enriched.
Phillip, I caught two of those HD telecasts last year while the family were watching movies on other screens. The theatre is always packed, despite the uniform $20 price tag for these special presentations. But some pay for a regular ticket and then sneak in. The routine never changes. LOL! Anyway, they are not bad–not exactly a replacement for being at the Met–but not everyone can manage it for a host of reasons, so this brainchild of the Met management has really brought in new fans.
As Movie Zeal’s resident Culture Authority, it hardly surprises me that you are familiar with DOCTOR ATOMIC, nor that you’ve seen some of it. I do actually love the minimalist Adams and for many years have been ravished by his NIXON IN CHINA, which boasts among other musical joys, the oddlly infectious “Ain’t It Prophetic?” which has challenged some of our greatest sopranos. My wife always leaves teh room though, when I put his operas on. THE DEATH OF KLINGHOFFER is also essential.
It is rare indeed that anyone who loves Glass, does not also love Adams. Thanks again Phillip for your erudite and much appreciated comment.
And thank to you Peter. ha! I know you are a long-time RIGOLETTO man, and I’m certainly in your camp there.
And I great appreciate the well wishes Joanne in your multiple comments.
Ahh well, I am not really an opera fan, but I sometimes enjoy listening to Domingo and Pavarotti. Good luck with the attractive new website Sam.
Sammy, I have always thought Wagner’s “Parsifal” is the greatest opera ever written, and if I’m not mistaken I think you feel the same way. Or was it “Die Meistersinger Von Nurnberg” that you thought was tops? Anyway, it’s great that the Ring cycle is being offered again, but it’s a demanding grind to sit there for 5 to 6 hours a pop. I know you did all four parts in five days, but I’d be happy to see one a month. That Berlioz does look interesting, might get a ticket for that.
My favorite opera is…….Carmen. But I like Wagner too. I see what you mean about the Met sticking to the crowd pleasers. After all, money is what determines what is offered. I have always enjoyed your reviews.
I need to listen to more Adams. The “News” aria has been the butt of many a joke between the music faculty and myself here at school. The piano reduction is a beast. Alas, I’ve never sat down and listened to the whole thing. Same goes for any of the other operas you’ve mentioned.
Yes yes, the broadcasts could never be replacements for the real thing, but we Southerners rarely get up to the Big Apple.
I’m sorry to rain on the parade but I can’t stomach Adams at all.
But this is great news with the Met going in full gear–I heard a lot about the Gluck and the Minghella Butterfly. I will be there.
p.s. I love Wagner.
Mr. Opera Man, this ain’t my cup of tea as you well know. But hey, whatever floats your boat…..
Dave, your supposition is correct! It is indeed PARSIFAL, but I love all Wagner’s operas, with THE RING CYCLE and MEISTERSINGER on the highest level of Western culture.
Very interesting what you say there Phillip about the “news aria” and the piano reduction. I will keep these foremost in my consciousness when I attend the opera in October. Alas, I can quite understand how you would get short-changed by your geographics, but you have overcome this my friend with unbridled enthusiasm, passion and tenaciousness.
I know Bobby, I know.
Thanks so much Karen for the best wishes, and Frederick, I know you are a huge CARMEN fan. I’m with you buddy.
I may join you for a few of these, but definitely not ‘Doctor Atomic!” lol.
I saw “La Boheme” last year at the Met and I really enjoyed it.
I Like Puccini Best.
Too much money for tickets, sorry.