This is a youtube jewel( non commercial ), all wonderfully uploaded by Smorg, who also keeps Vesselina Kasarova's schedule updated ...
Bellini is at his best for me here, knowing what Vesselina Kasarova sounds like live, this last scene act I is such an amazing vocal piece here and always, any time I listen to this opera.
I am on my way to Bastille for another live go.. at the fabulous cast with another type of Romeo-Karine Deshayes, so musical and touching too! On the 17th I will have a chance to see Ekaterina Siurina -Giullieta I missed at the opening night.
Meanwhile, I am listening to Smorg's uploads of this Dresden 1998 production, my favourite on youtube so far...The overture is fantastic! so well set in a warm San Diego night...
I love Kasarova's singing in the Dresden version but *cannot* like the soprano. I much prefer Annick Massis as Giulietta in the New York recording. I also preferred Nakamura to Netrebko in the Broussard productions.
ReplyDeleteHaving said that - I agree that Smorgy's videos are most compelling and I can always turn the soprano down!!
Now you've given me a fabulous excuse to put this recording in the stereo again. Thanks, Yvette! :oD Sorry I haven't written of late. It's been crazy out here on the California coast. I was looking forward to catching up on emailing this week, but it has just been too hot... and I'm too big to fit into the refrigerator. Shame! Shame! :oP
ReplyDeleteHey, sorry Lucia Aliberti doesn't make it as Giulietta for you, Eyes. :o) Sounds too much like Callas? I wish the house tape for the Bastille show with VK and Claycomb would be made available. What a show that must have been!
Wishing you both a very happy weekend (I'm sure Yvette is in for one with the concert)! :o) We are looking to finally cool down tomorrow. I can't wait. Been melting like a snowman all week and I haven't even been close to any of the wild fires!
Excellent excuse for icecream Smorgy!
ReplyDeleteDear Eyes, Smorgy, thanks for your notes... but I am most confused when opening this page this morning, reading "Rossini"... instead of Bellini! Well, after all Bellini inherited Rossinian's skills.... still I have to correct the text ! I am back from this production I liked so much and liked even more on saturday evening at Bastille . There were some changes, the conductor and Lorenzo. Romeo-Karine Deshayes and Tibaldo-Charles Castronovo were at their best ! most enjoyable performance. Eyes, you are right to zap.... and Smorgy, I was not aware you were under fire and boiling tmperatures. Nice to read you here my friends! I still do not understand why France musique did not broadcast a night of this Capulet et Montaigu evenings... apparently they did it in 2008 and that's it as it is meant to be the best cast.... This kind of argument makes me furious against Show Biz applied to Opera and classical music.
ReplyDeleteoops, blogspot just ate my comment...
ReplyDeletethanks Yvette for the reminder, Dresden is definitely my favorite version! but Eyes how come you don't like the soprano? i quite like her take so am curious :-). i remember you mentioned loooong time ago not able to handel the tenor in the Chicago version.. and last month when i listened to it again independently i thought man how intolerable!! (td)
Dear An this terrible site of mine behaves badly ... sorry ... sorry! I think I have a clue about Eyes and the soprano... knowing Eyes has a sensitive ear this soprano has rather sharp tops. so... I can undesrstand the choice. Bastille 2014 cast is very romantic, less 'thundering' but touching, The finale selon Broussard with Vk and the young Nakamura is unforgettable...
ReplyDeleteI tend not to analyse why I like or do not like - it's just a gut reaction so there may be something in what you say, Yvette. And we all know about gut reactions, don't we Dr T? ;)
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