ADRIANA LECOUVREUR:Cilea
Original Air Date: 04/19/1969
Cleva; Tebaldi, Corelli, Dalis, Colzani
SID.18510000
Tebaldi loved the part of Adriana, but this broadcast finds her in rather frayed voice (after more than 30 Giocondas the previous two seasons). Corelli, Dalis, and Colzani are strong support.
Wagner
Original Air Date: 04/20/1974
Steinberg; Thomas, Martin, Stewart, Macurdy, Meredith. Morris
SID.18510107
This is William Steinberg’s farewell performance (only 25 altogether in 4 operas) and I was in attendance for this. It’s a very solid overall performance, and better conducted than Leopold Ludwig’s wan effort when the production was new. Next time out in 1979, James Levine begins a LONG run as the Parsifal conductor. I don’t understand why this performance is not on MOoD. The cast is all-American, and except for Antony and Cleopatra, Jess Thomas is not represented on MOoD.
Not yet heard on Sirius are Hotter’s 2 Parsifal broadcasts (1952 as Amfortas and 1954 as Gurnemanz– his Met farewell). Hotter is well represented from Bayreuth, but worth hearing on Sirius. To me the big gaps are the 1966 Pretre Parsifal with Crespin and Konya under Pretre and the 1971 with Siepi’s classic Gurnemanz. Levine conducted a lot of Parsifal broadcasts in the 1980s, and the surprise omission is the 1985 with Vickers, Rysanek, Moll
38 years later James Morris is the only survivor still on the Met stage. I love Parsifal, and glad that Sirius schedules Parsifal with some regularity. I wish they would honor the great Vickers and Rysanek with THEIR broadcast of Parsifal.
Strauss
Original Air Date: 01/05/2002
Thielemann; Voigt, Moser, Schnaut, Brendel, Runkel
SID.18510212
The main draw here is Thielemann conducting the opera complete, something Bohm never did at the Met, and one of the best outings for Voigt. Schnaut has a lot of presence as the Dyer’s wife, but the sound is often hard to take. Brendel as Barak is good, but if one saw the original Met production Walter Berry totally equalled the spectacular work of Rysanek, Ludwig, King, and Dalis. Still “Frosch” has some of the best music Strauss ever wrote, and Thielemann is a master of this score against any competition. Highly recommended.
***
Thielemann is the chief attraction here and the score is presented complete at the Met for the first time. Voigt is at close to her very best. Some of R. Strauss’ very best music. The recent Jurowski run was also complete, and with all new casting, which for me was definitely better for Dyer’s Wife and Emperor. For the Amme, I think one needs to go back to Dalis and Dunn.
***
This was Thielemann’s high water mark at the Met with a popular production by Herbert Wernicke who died an untimely death not long after this production was premiered in December 2001 (he died in April 2002). Thielemann did the score absolutely uncut for the first time at the Met, and the women on the whole garnered high praise. Schnaut’s voice is not a beautiful one (but Christel Goltz was not exactly Kiri te Kanawa either) but she certainly gets to the heart of the character. I have never been able to tolerate Moser’s voice, and Brendel is caught just a
little too late in the day for this. For many of us Barak will always be Walter Berry, but of course those lucky to have seen DFD in Europe it was a fine part for him as well.
Original Air Date: 01/20/1996
Robertson; Norman, Clark, Hagegård, McIntyre
SID.18510316
This was the cursed production which premiered the opera at the Met a few weeks earlier, and was stopped in minutes due to the death of Richard Versalle. [The second performance was cancelled due to a snow blizzard]
The English version is by Moshinsky (the director), Robertson When the opera is revived two years later, it is in Czech with Malfitano and Mackerras conducting. Norman is sui generis, and so is her performance of this part.
This is the premiere season for Makropulos with Norman filling out the Janacek lines (in an English translation partially attributed to her). She sings gloriously, even if it misses some of the angularity inherent in the score. This is one broadcast in a translation that regularly makes it to the airwaves if not MOoD.
Here’s one Met broadcast in translation. This is from the ill-fated premiere season where Richard Versalle died at the premiere, and the second performance was cancelled by a snowstorm. Malfitano did two revivals under Mackerras in Czech, but I think we will not finally get a great Makropulos until Mattila appears late that spring. Made to order for her. For the record, Norman brings enormous lyricism to the part, just maybe not quite what the part needs, but very interesting to encounter.
Verdi
Original Air Date: 12/14/1940
Panizza; Björling, Milanov, Sved, Andreva, Castagna
SID.18510317
Neither Milanov nor Bjorling recorded these roles complete, let alone together (Bjorling scheduled for two–Toscanini and Solti). Panizza, Milanov, and Bjorling all outstanding. It was widely available in various private pressings.
This is still 1940s sound and this week is only the second appearance on Sirius. My guess is that this will appear in the MOoD offerings shortly [ well we’re two years later it still is not in MOoD], as almost all the big box reissues on CD make their way into MOoD.
10/7/13 – Neither Milanov nor Bjorling recorded these roles complete, let alone together (Bjorling scheduled for two– Toscanini and Solti). Panizza, Milanov, and Bjorling all outstanding. WIll be curious as to the
restoration. It was widely available in various private pressings. Hope the new restoration creates further improvement
5/1/2008 – What does one need to say? So it’s 1940 AM sound. The Met has offered this before as a Guild benefit, so they have a good copy, and neither MIlanov nor Bjorling recorded it commercially. An additional benefit is the sterling conducting of Panizza.
Wagner
Original Air Date: 04/20/1974
Steinberg; Thomas, Martin, Stewart, Macurdy, Meredith. Morris
SID.18510318
This is William Steinberg’s farewell performance (only 25 altogether in 4 operas) and I was in attendance for this. It’s a very solid overall performance, and better conducted than Leopold Ludwig’s wan effort when the production was new. Next time out in 1979, James Levine begins a LONG run as the Parsifal conductor. I don’t understand why this performance is not on MOoD. The cast is all-American, and except for Antony and Cleopatra, Jess Thomas is not represented on MOoD.
Not yet heard on Sirius are Hotter’s 2 Parsifal broadcasts (1952 as Amfortas and 1954 as Gurnemanz– his Met farewell). Hotter is well represented from Bayreuth, but worth hearing on Sirius. To me the big gaps are the 1966 Pretre Parsifal with Crespin and Konya under Pretre and the 1971 with Siepi’s classic Gurnemanz. Levine conducted a lot of Parsifal broadcasts in the 1980s, and the surprise omission is the 1985 with Vickers, Rysanek, Moll
38 years later James Morris is the only survivor still on the Met stage. I love Parsifal, and glad that Sirius schedules Parsifal with some regularity. I wish they would honor the great Vickers and Rysanek with THEIR broadcast of Parsifal.
Wagner
Original Air Date: 04/20/1974
Steinberg; Thomas, Martin, Stewart, Macurdy, Meredith. Morris
SID.18510319
This is William Steinberg’s farewell performance (only 25 altogether in 4 operas) and I was in attendance for this. It’s a very solid overall performance, and better conducted than Leopold Ludwig’s wan effort when the production was new. Next time out in 1979, James Levine begins a LONG run as the Parsifal conductor. I don’t understand why this performance is not on MOoD. The cast is all-American, and except for Antony and Cleopatra, Jess Thomas is not represented on MOoD.
Not yet heard on Sirius are Hotter’s 2 Parsifal broadcasts (1952 as Amfortas and 1954 as Gurnemanz– his Met farewell). Hotter is well represented from Bayreuth, but worth hearing on Sirius. To me the big gaps are the 1966 Pretre Parsifal with Crespin and Konya under Pretre and the 1971 with Siepi’s classic Gurnemanz. Levine conducted a lot of Parsifal broadcasts in the 1980s, and the surprise omission is the 1985 with Vickers, Rysanek, Moll
38 years later James Morris is the only survivor still on the Met stage. I love Parsifal, and glad that Sirius schedules Parsifal with some regularity. I wish they would honor the great Vickers and Rysanek with THEIR broadcast of Parsifal.
Verdi
Original Air Date: 04/05/1975
Levine; MacNeil, Lear, Stewart, Barbieri, Valente, Ahlstedt
MOD Audio SID.18510422
This performance is Levine’s first Falstaff broadcast and Barbieri’s penultimate company broadcast (she returns for Trittico (minus Frugola) 2 years later. MacNeil is a very good Falstaff which I think is his only run in the part– he is a stellar Ford on a Chicago broadcast with Gobbi in 1958. Lear is in better form than her husband– Stewart is not really a Verdian, and the monologue is among the showiest music in the opera.
Offenbach
Original Air Date: 02/07/1959
Morel; Gedda, London, Dobbs, Elias, Amara, Vanni
MOD Audio SID.18510423
This performance is always welcome on Sirius, for it is one of Gedda’s very best broadcasts. Morel’s style is also welcome. I’m not a huge fan of London’s villains (I prefer Singher’s) but this is a solid performance from top to bottom.
Verdi
Original Air Date: 03/20/1954
Stiedry; Milanov, Penno, Warren, Hines, Madeira, Pechner
SID.18510424
Milanov’s four broadcast Leonoras begin in 1952 with much of the above cast except Tucker for Penno. That performance is on MOoD and there are many fine moments. Penno is the point of interest in this week’s Forza, and clearly he must have had one of the largest tenor voices in an era of big voiced singers. His Met career was not long, but he is long remembered as well for several appearances with Callas– Macbeth and Medea. He is also the Pollione at the Met in Milanov’s final series of Normas. Milanov’s Norma has not appeared in the Sirius series, and while the 2 1940s performances will catch her in smoother voice, I would love to hear the 1954 performance as well.
If memory serves, this is the best of MIlanov’s 50s Forza Leonoras. Penno is a comet that didn’t turn out so well, but other than not being Tucker or Del Monaco, he’s fine.
Strauss
Original Air Date: 03/20/1993
Marin; Norman, Moser, Swenson, Mentzer, Stewart, Oswald
MOD Audio SID.18510425
For my money Jessye Norman is much better in her two earlier broadcasts (the first with Andrew Davis conducting, the second with Levine and subsequently telecast). Moser is not my preferred Bacchus, but Swenson featuring more of a lyric Zerbinetta (a la Guden) is very fine. 11/21/16
***
This is Norman’s last Ariadne broadcast and in the new production for her. I prefer the 1988 video (which is on DVD from DG) with Troyanos and Battle under Levine. Swenson has her moments as well. 4/23/12
***
I’m not sure about the interest in this performance. Norman five years earlier under Levine has a sterling broadcast and telecast with King, Troyanos, and Battle. What has NOT been broadcast on Sirius is either Bohm Ariadne : the Met premiere season in 1963 with Rysanek (supposed to have been Della Casa, but with the opera switch from Dutchman, it went to LR). Seven years later features Bohm and Rysanek with King and a delectable performance from Reri Grist. 11 July 2011
Boito
Original Air Date: 02/19/2000
Elder; Ramey, Villarroel, Margison
MOD Audio SID.18510426
So far this is the only Met broadcast of Mefistofele, as its 1925 previous Met performance precedes the Met matinee series, and Bing had mostly ceded the work to NYCO first with Treigle, and later with Ramey. Here is Ramey at close to his twilight from the Met in a very solid performance, and a good delivery from the Met chorus. Margison and Villaroel are OK, but much better tenor casting was certainly available during the Bing years.
Ramey was still in good voice for this broadcast, but this Robert Carsen production which had been practically everywhere (I saw it in SF as well as NYC) could not attract the great tenors of the day to Faust. A pity. I saw Kraus in Philadelphia, and Bergonzi has distinguished performances as well. Margerita deserves better than Villaroel as well.
Time for the Met to revive again with or without the Carsen production. Lots of good casting around for this. even if no one at Ghiaurov/ Siepi vocal accomplishment for the title role.
These days, the basso ranks are even more depleted than 13 years ago, but lots of interesting tenors and sopranos for these two roles. Calleja would be my first choice for Faust, but there are others who could do fine work, including Fabiano. Radvanovsky would be a most interesting combo Margerita/Helen and the Met chorus is several cuts above their work a dozen years ago.
I’m not wild about the Carsen production (there are worse), but a rumored revival seems to have disappeared.
Mefistofele is not represented in MOoD and should be available there, starting with capturing prime Ramey
Donizetti
Original Air Date: 03/05/1966
Schippers; Bergonzi, Peters, Corena, Guarrera
MOD Audio SID.18510427
This performance has been issued in Sony’s Historic Met CD series. Also on MOoD is Bergonzi and Corena partnered by Scotto and Sereni who I think are better matches in this opera.One cannot lose with Bergonzi and Corena.
Mozart
Original Air Date: 03/25/1978
Bonynge; Morris, Sutherland, Bacquier, Varady, Brecknock, Tourangeau
MOD Audio SID.18510529
This is Julia Varady’s only season and broadcast from the Met, and earns a well-deserved place in MOoD. The missing piece is that 9 days earlier the Met telecast this, and it operatic stage. Traubel has never appeared in any form. There is so little Sutherland video from the Met. Of particular interest is Bacquier in his only season as Leporello and Morris makes a youthful but powerful Don. It also captures the last of the Berman production. The video please! Also Sutherland’s only other Donna Anna from the Met is from opening season of the new house at Lincoln Center under Karl Bohm with Siepi, Flagello, and Giaiotti with Lorengar as the Elvira. This has not been recently discussed on SIrius in 5 years and should be in MOoD.
Strauss
Original Air Date: 01/05/2002
Thielemann; Voigt, Moser, Schnaut, Brendel, Runkel
SID.18510530
The main draw here is Thielemann conducting the opera complete, something Bohm never did at the Met, and one of the best outings for Voigt. Schnaut has a lot of presence as the Dyer’s wife, but the sound is often hard to take. Brendel as Barak is good, but if one saw the original Met production Walter Berry totally equalled the spectacular work of Rysanek, Ludwig, King, and Dalis. Still “Frosch” has some of the best music Strauss ever wrote, and Thielemann is a master of this score against any competition. Highly recommended.
***
Thielemann is the chief attraction here and the score is presented complete at the Met for the first time. Voigt is at close to her very best. Some of R. Strauss’ very best music. The recent Jurowski run was also complete, and with all new casting, which for me was definitely better for Dyer’s Wife and Emperor. For the Amme, I think one needs to go back to Dalis and Dunn.
***
This was Thielemann’s high water mark at the Met with a popular production by Herbert Wernicke who died an untimely death not long after this production was premiered in December 2001 (he died in April 2002). Thielemann did the score absolutely uncut for the first time at the Met, and the women on the whole garnered high praise. Schnaut’s voice is not a beautiful one (but Christel Goltz was not exactly Kiri te Kanawa either) but she certainly gets to the heart of the character. I have never been able to tolerate Moser’s voice, and Brendel is caught just a
little too late in the day for this. For many of us Barak will always be Walter Berry, but of course those lucky to have seen DFD in Europe it was a fine part for him as well.
Strauss
Original Air Date: 01/05/2002
Thielemann; Voigt, Moser, Schnaut, Brendel, Runkel
SID.18510531
The main draw here is Thielemann conducting the opera complete, something Bohm never did at the Met, and one of the best outings for Voigt. Schnaut has a lot of presence as the Dyer’s wife, but the sound is often hard to take. Brendel as Barak is good, but if one saw the original Met production Walter Berry totally equalled the spectacular work of Rysanek, Ludwig, King, and Dalis. Still “Frosch” has some of the best music Strauss ever wrote, and Thielemann is a master of this score against any competition. Highly recommended.
***
Thielemann is the chief attraction here and the score is presented complete at the Met for the first time. Voigt is at close to her very best. Some of R. Strauss’ very best music. The recent Jurowski run was also complete, and with all new casting, which for me was definitely better for Dyer’s Wife and Emperor. For the Amme, I think one needs to go back to Dalis and Dunn.
***
This was Thielemann’s high water mark at the Met with a popular production by Herbert Wernicke who died an untimely death not long after this production was premiered in December 2001 (he died in April 2002). Thielemann did the score absolutely uncut for the first time at the Met, and the women on the whole garnered high praise. Schnaut’s voice is not a beautiful one (but Christel Goltz was not exactly Kiri te Kanawa either) but she certainly gets to the heart of the character. I have never been able to tolerate Moser’s voice, and Brendel is caught just a
little too late in the day for this. For many of us Barak will always be Walter Berry, but of course those lucky to have seen DFD in Europe it was a fine part for him as well.
Mozart
Original Air Date: 12/14/1985
Levine; Raimondi, Battle, Vaness, Allen, von Stade
MOD VideoMOD Audio SID.18510532
This performance surfaced in its video format both on MOoD, and in the Levine 40th anniversary DVD box. This is a Ponnelle production, and has its usual pluses and minuses. Vaness misses just a bit of superstar quality (her Fiordiligi and Donna Anna are more distinctive).
Raimondi is not my favorite singer, but Levine is at his best in Mozart and the ensemble is very strong. I’ve enjoyed re-acquainting myself with this performance over the last year and have played it several times. This is his first season of Figaro at the Met, an opera he would conduct more than 77 times in 3 new productions (Ponnelle, Jonathan Miller, Richard Eyre.). Amazingly 3 of the matinee broadcasts have not been done again.
For the record: March 21, 1992 features Upshaw , Schuman, Von Stade, Furlanetto, Hampson, Moll December 5, 1998 features Bonney/Guyer, Lott, Mentzer, Croft, Terfel Feb. 12, 2005 features Rost, Watson, Perez, Relyea, Kwiecien.
One run of Nozze with Levine was not broadcast and that featured Dorothea Roschmann and Anja Harteros in their Met debuts. I remember these performances very well, and in the current Gelb/Sirius era, we would have had at least one if not a couple of these on the radio, The 1992 would be especially welcome for the Furlanetto/Hampson combination (which is also on their complete DG recording).
Rossini
Original Air Date: 02/21/1981
Rescigno; Horne, Blake, Berberian, Bruscantini
MOD Audio SID.18510533
This is the third of Horne’s four Met Isabellas. She is a noted Rossinian, a great advocate for young singers, but just not to my taste. She totally dominates the Isabella roster at the Met, but I prefer Borodina with Furlanetto in the 21st century. Baltsa who has
a very limited Met career did bring her Rossini heroines to Chicago (which I did not see) but I find her recordings more interesting, and Berganza even more so.
—
Not my favorite opera, and Horne is not for me in this. WIsh the 2004 Italiana with Borodina, Florez, and Furlanetto would be rebroadcast. The men especially are extremely fine.
Verdi
Original Air Date: 12/14/1940
Panizza; Björling, Milanov, Sved, Andreva, Castagna
SID.18510534
Neither Milanov nor Bjorling recorded these roles complete, let alone together (Bjorling scheduled for two–Toscanini and Solti). Panizza, Milanov, and Bjorling all outstanding. It was widely available in various private pressings.
This is still 1940s sound and this week is only the second appearance on Sirius. My guess is that this will appear in the MOoD offerings shortly [ well we’re two years later it still is not in MOoD], as almost all the big box reissues on CD make their way into MOoD.
10/7/13 – Neither Milanov nor Bjorling recorded these roles complete, let alone together (Bjorling scheduled for two– Toscanini and Solti). Panizza, Milanov, and Bjorling all outstanding. WIll be curious as to the
restoration. It was widely available in various private pressings. Hope the new restoration creates further improvement
5/1/2008 – What does one need to say? So it’s 1940 AM sound. The Met has offered this before as a Guild benefit, so they have a good copy, and neither MIlanov nor Bjorling recorded it commercially. An additional benefit is the sterling conducting of Panizza.
Strauss
Original Air Date: 03/20/1993
Marin; Norman, Moser, Swenson, Mentzer, Stewart, Oswald
MOD Audio SID.18510535
For my money Jessye Norman is much better in her two earlier broadcasts (the first with Andrew Davis conducting, the second with Levine and subsequently telecast). Moser is not my preferred Bacchus, but Swenson featuring more of a lyric Zerbinetta (a la Guden) is very fine. 11/21/16
***
This is Norman’s last Ariadne broadcast and in the new production for her. I prefer the 1988 video (which is on DVD from DG) with Troyanos and Battle under Levine. Swenson has her moments as well. 4/23/12
***
I’m not sure about the interest in this performance. Norman five years earlier under Levine has a sterling broadcast and telecast with King, Troyanos, and Battle. What has NOT been broadcast on Sirius is either Bohm Ariadne : the Met premiere season in 1963 with Rysanek (supposed to have been Della Casa, but with the opera switch from Dutchman, it went to LR). Seven years later features Bohm and Rysanek with King and a delectable performance from Reri Grist. 11 July 2011
Offenbach
Original Air Date: 02/07/1959
Morel; Gedda, London, Dobbs, Elias, Amara, Vanni
MOD Audio SID.18510636
This performance is always welcome on Sirius, for it is one of Gedda’s very best broadcasts. Morel’s style is also welcome. I’m not a huge fan of London’s villains (I prefer Singher’s) but this is a solid performance from top to bottom.
Wagner
Original Air Date: 04/20/1974
Steinberg; Thomas, Martin, Stewart, Macurdy, Meredith. Morris
SID.18510637
This is William Steinberg’s farewell performance (only 25 altogether in 4 operas) and I was in attendance for this. It’s a very solid overall performance, and better conducted than Leopold Ludwig’s wan effort when the production was new. Next time out in 1979, James Levine begins a LONG run as the Parsifal conductor. I don’t understand why this performance is not on MOoD. The cast is all-American, and except for Antony and Cleopatra, Jess Thomas is not represented on MOoD.
Not yet heard on Sirius are Hotter’s 2 Parsifal broadcasts (1952 as Amfortas and 1954 as Gurnemanz– his Met farewell). Hotter is well represented from Bayreuth, but worth hearing on Sirius. To me the big gaps are the 1966 Pretre Parsifal with Crespin and Konya under Pretre and the 1971 with Siepi’s classic Gurnemanz. Levine conducted a lot of Parsifal broadcasts in the 1980s, and the surprise omission is the 1985 with Vickers, Rysanek, Moll
38 years later James Morris is the only survivor still on the Met stage. I love Parsifal, and glad that Sirius schedules Parsifal with some regularity. I wish they would honor the great Vickers and Rysanek with THEIR broadcast of Parsifal.
Wagner
Original Air Date: 04/20/1974
Steinberg; Thomas, Martin, Stewart, Macurdy, Meredith. Morris
SID.18510638
This is William Steinberg’s farewell performance (only 25 altogether in 4 operas) and I was in attendance for this. It’s a very solid overall performance, and better conducted than Leopold Ludwig’s wan effort when the production was new. Next time out in 1979, James Levine begins a LONG run as the Parsifal conductor. I don’t understand why this performance is not on MOoD. The cast is all-American, and except for Antony and Cleopatra, Jess Thomas is not represented on MOoD.
Not yet heard on Sirius are Hotter’s 2 Parsifal broadcasts (1952 as Amfortas and 1954 as Gurnemanz– his Met farewell). Hotter is well represented from Bayreuth, but worth hearing on Sirius. To me the big gaps are the 1966 Pretre Parsifal with Crespin and Konya under Pretre and the 1971 with Siepi’s classic Gurnemanz. Levine conducted a lot of Parsifal broadcasts in the 1980s, and the surprise omission is the 1985 with Vickers, Rysanek, Moll
38 years later James Morris is the only survivor still on the Met stage. I love Parsifal, and glad that Sirius schedules Parsifal with some regularity. I wish they would honor the great Vickers and Rysanek with THEIR broadcast of Parsifal.
Verdi
Original Air Date: 04/05/1975
Levine; MacNeil, Lear, Stewart, Barbieri, Valente, Ahlstedt
MOD Audio SID.18510422
This performance is Levine’s first Falstaff broadcast and Barbieri’s penultimate company broadcast (she returns for Trittico (minus Frugola) 2 years later. MacNeil is a very good Falstaff which I think is his only run in the part– he is a stellar Ford on a Chicago broadcast with Gobbi in 1958. Lear is in better form than her husband– Stewart is not really a Verdian, and the monologue is among the showiest music in the opera.
Boito
Original Air Date: 02/19/2000
Elder; Ramey, Villarroel, Margison
MOD Audio SID.18510642
So far this is the only Met broadcast of Mefistofele, as its 1925 previous Met performance precedes the Met matinee series, and Bing had mostly ceded the work to NYCO first with Treigle, and later with Ramey. Here is Ramey at close to his twilight from the Met in a very solid performance, and a good delivery from the Met chorus. Margison and Villaroel are OK, but much better tenor casting was certainly available during the Bing years.
Ramey was still in good voice for this broadcast, but this Robert Carsen production which had been practically everywhere (I saw it in SF as well as NYC) could not attract the great tenors of the day to Faust. A pity. I saw Kraus in Philadelphia, and Bergonzi has distinguished performances as well. Margerita deserves better than Villaroel as well.
Time for the Met to revive again with or without the Carsen production. Lots of good casting around for this. even if no one at Ghiaurov/ Siepi vocal accomplishment for the title role.
These days, the basso ranks are even more depleted than 13 years ago, but lots of interesting tenors and sopranos for these two roles. Calleja would be my first choice for Faust, but there are others who could do fine work, including Fabiano. Radvanovsky would be a most interesting combo Margerita/Helen and the Met chorus is several cuts above their work a dozen years ago.
I’m not wild about the Carsen production (there are worse), but a rumored revival seems to have disappeared.
Mefistofele is not represented in MOoD and should be available there, starting with capturing prime Ramey
Janácek
Original Air Date: 01/20/1996
Robertson; Norman, Clark, Hagegård, McIntyre
SID.18510743
This was the cursed production which premiered the opera at the Met a few weeks earlier, and was stopped in minutes due to the death of Richard Versalle. The English version is by Moshinsky (the director), Robertson When the opera is revived two years later, it is in Czech with Malfitano and Mackerras conducting. Norman is sui generis, and so is her performance of this part.
This is the premiere season for Makropulos with Norman filling out the Janacek lines (in an English translation partially attributed to her). She sings gloriously, even if it misses some of the angularity inherent in the score. This is one broadcast in a translation that regularly makes it to the airwaves if not MOoD.
Here’s one Met broadcast in translation. This is from the ill-fated premiere season where Richard Versalle died at the premiere, and the second performance was cancelled by a snowstorm. Malfitano did two revivals under Mackerras in Czech, but I think we will not finally get a great Makropulos until Mattila appears late that spring. Made to order for her. For the record, Norman brings enormous lyricism to the part, just maybe not quite what the part needs, but very interesting to encounter.
Rossini
Original Air Date: 02/21/1981
Rescigno; Horne, Blake, Berberian, Bruscantini
MOD Audio SID.18510744
This is the third of Horne’s four Met Isabellas. She is a noted Rossinian, a great advocate for young singers, but just not to my taste. She totally dominates the Isabella roster at the Met, but I prefer Borodina with Furlanetto in the 21st century. Baltsa who has
a very limited Met career did bring her Rossini heroines to Chicago (which I did not see) but I find her recordings more interesting, and Berganza even more so.
—
Not my favorite opera, and Horne is not for me in this. WIsh the 2004 Italiana with Borodina, Florez, and Furlanetto would be rebroadcast. The men especially are extremely fine.
Mozart
Original Air Date: 12/14/1985
Levine; Raimondi, Battle, Vaness, Allen, von Stade
MOD VideoMOD Audio SID.18510745
This performance surfaced in its video format both on MOoD, and in the Levine 40th anniversary DVD box. This is a Ponnelle production, and has its usual pluses and minuses. Vaness misses just a bit of superstar quality (her Fiordiligi and Donna Anna are more distinctive).
Raimondi is not my favorite singer, but Levine is at his best in Mozart and the ensemble is very strong. I’ve enjoyed re-acquainting myself with this performance over the last year and have played it several times. This is his first season of Figaro at the Met, an opera he would conduct more than 77 times in 3 new productions (Ponnelle, Jonathan Miller, Richard Eyre.). Amazingly 3 of the matinee broadcasts have not been done again.
For the record: March 21, 1992 features Upshaw , Schuman, Von Stade, Furlanetto, Hampson, Moll December 5, 1998 features Bonney/Guyer, Lott, Mentzer, Croft, Terfel Feb. 12, 2005 features Rost, Watson, Perez, Relyea, Kwiecien.
One run of Nozze with Levine was not broadcast and that featured Dorothea Roschmann and Anja Harteros in their Met debuts. I remember these performances very well, and in the current Gelb/Sirius era, we would have had at least one if not a couple of these on the radio, The 1992 would be especially welcome for the Furlanetto/Hampson combination (which is also on their complete DG recording).
Donizetti
Original Air Date: 03/05/1966
Schippers; Bergonzi, Peters, Corena, Guarrera
MOD Audio SID.18510746
This performance has been issued in Sony’s Historic Met CD series. Also on MOoD is Bergonzi and Corena partnered by Scotto and Sereni who I think are better matches in this opera.One cannot lose with Bergonzi and Corena.
Verdi
Original Air Date: 03/20/1954
Stiedry; Milanov, Penno, Warren, Hines, Madeira, Pechner
SID.18510747
Milanov’s four broadcast Leonoras begin in 1952 with much of the above cast except Tucker for Penno. That performance is on MOoD and there are many fine moments. Penno is the point of interest in this week’s Forza, and clearly he must have had one of the largest tenor voices in an era of big voiced singers. His Met career was not long, but he is long remembered as well for several appearances with Callas– Macbeth and Medea. He is also the Pollione at the Met in Milanov’s final series of Normas. Milanov’s Norma has not appeared in the Sirius series, and while the 2 1940s performances will catch her in smoother voice, I would love to hear the 1954 performance as well.
If memory serves, this is the best of MIlanov’s 50s Forza Leonoras. Penno is a comet that didn’t turn out so well, but other than not being Tucker or Del Monaco, he’s fine.