Sunday, July 31, 2011

Handel: Partenope

Handel: Partenope

Partenope was first performed in 1730. The queen Partenope has three men who want to win her over. Who will take her hand in the end? Partenope has a great orchestra. Arsace, played by Andreas Scholl, and Partenope, played by Inger Dam-Jensen stands out. The entire cast is perfect in this very fun to watch opera. This opera was performed at the Royal Danish Theatre in Copenhagen, Denmark in 2008.

Friday, July 29, 2011

Donizetti: L'elisir d'amore

Donizetti: L'elisir d'amore

L'elisir d'amore was first performed in 1832. This opera by Donizetti is very popular today. L'elisir d'amore is very funny at times, especially the scenes with the Doctor trying to sell his fake love potion to Nemorino. Rolando Villazón and Anna Netrebko both have great singing and the orchestra plays very well throughout. L'elisir d'amore has the popular aria "Una furtiva lagrima", sung by Rolando Villazón and is encored. This opera was performed in 2005 at the Vienna State Opera in Vienna, Austria.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Lully: Persée

Lully: Persée

One of the best French Baroque operas by Lully, Persée was first performed in 1682. Lully has many operas from this era. Persée has great settings, costumes and music. A few dance scenes are also here. The cast is wonderful, along with the orchestra. This opera was performed in 2004 at the Elgin Theatre in Toronto, Canada.

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Handel: Alcina

Handel: Alcina

The Baroque opera Alcina was first performed in 1735. Handel has many operas that I like. This opera has good baroque music by Handel and good performances by everyone, especially Catherine Naglestad, who plays the sorceress Alcina. I also liked the set design and interesting plot. This opera was performed in 1999 at the Stuttgart Municipal Opera House in Stuttgart, Germany.