Action musicale in 3 acts and a prologue Poem & music: Vincent d'Indy, after Esaias Tegnér's Axel First performed: Théâtre de la Monnaie, Brussels, 12 March 1897 Fervaal, d'Indy's Wagnerian mystical Celtic opera, was the best opera since Parsifal, and marked a new age in French music. So thought the critics. Fervaal badly needs a complete recording to … Continue reading 96. Fervaal (Vincent D’Indy)
My friend Phil recently posted on a rarity: Loengrino, by the obscure Italian composer Ricciardo Vagniero. It is one of the most beautiful Italian operas I know, a testament to the glories of bel canto, a worthy successor to the heritage of Rossini and Donizetti. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfMdpfcBaxs Vagniero was a true son of Italy, a fertile vine … Continue reading Ricciardo Vagniero
Here's a simple quiz for people who think that Wagner, or Mozart, or Verdi, or Stockhausen, or whoever is the greatest opera composer who ever lived. Not just their favourite composer, whose wonderful operas they want everyone to love as much as they do. Not just a composer with a huge influence on the genre. … Continue reading A quiz for opera enthusiasts
FERNAND CORTEZ, OU LA CONQUÊTE DE MÉXIQUETragédie lyrique in 3 actsComposer: Gaspare SpontiniLibretto: Étienne de Jouy and Joseph-Alphonse Esménard, after Alexis Piron’s playFirst performed: Opéra de Paris [Académie Impériale de Musique] (salle Montansier), 28 November 1809, conducted by Jean-Baptiste ReyA doctor decided to cure his profoundly deaf patient by taking him to see Fernand Cortez. The doctor's … Continue reading 61. Fernand Cortez (Gaspare Spontini)
“The Teutonic reputation for brutality is well-founded. Their operas last three or four days. And they have no word for ‘fluffy’.” – Blackadder A cursed magic ring; the forging of a broken sword; giants, dwarves, dragons, and Valkyries; and the downfall of the gods in a fiery cataclysm – combined with German philosophy, radical politics, … Continue reading 46. Der Ring des Nibelungen (Richard Wagner)
DER CID Lyrisches Drama in 3 Acts Music and libretto by Peter Cornelius First performed: Weimar, 21 May 1865, conducted by Carl Stor Peter Cornelius was one of those marginal figures who pops out of the woodwork at surprising moments. He was a member of Wagner’s circle at Bayreuth; Lohengrin is a big influence on … Continue reading 31. Der Cid – Peter Cornelius
